BERKELEY, Calif. — In their first matches of the 2024 campaign, Saint Mary's Volleyball (1-1) split their two contests, falling to #8 Cal (4-0) 5-0, before defeating Santa Clara (0-2) 3-1.
The Gaels were tested early by the Golden Bears, who finished the 2023 season ranked 11th in the country, and shot up to eighth in the 2024 preseason polls. Despite falling to Cal, this was an excellent early test for a Saint Mary's squad that is looking to grow and build on success throughout the season. The Gaels fifth flight, the duo of Paola Peralta and Nya Crump, managed to take a set off the Golden Bears' Ella Sears and Kendall Peters, before ultimately falling 15-12 in the decisive third set.