Milwaukee, WI- Saturday was a busy day for the Blue Angel volleyball team. They would compete in two matches, and honor three seniors for their contributions to the MMU program.
The day began with a rematch against Trine University, who MMU had faced just hours ago on Friday evening. In set one against Trine, MMU gave the Thunder all they could handle before Trine pulled away for a 25-19 win. The second set was most competitive, with the Blue Angels leading 15-6 at one point. They could not hold off Trine however, as the Thunder took set 2 by a 25-20 score.
The third belonged to the Thunder, as they closed out the match with a 25-7 set victory.
Prior to the Blue Angels second match of the day, the program recognized their three seniors on this year's team. Alyssen Noriega was a significant contributor to the 2024 team in her only season of action. Anastasia Paulino was recognized as a four-year player for Mount Mary, Paulino is second on this year's team with over 130 assists from her setter position.
Finally, Emma White was recognized as one of the more statistically decorated players in Mount Mary history. In over 100 matches over 4 seasons, White recorded over 1600 assists and over 800 digs, both totals good enough for top ten all time at MMU. White has led the Blue Angels in both assists and kills over the 2024 season.
In the ensuing match against Moody Bible, set one was an exciting back and forth match up. Mount Mary made several key plays and Emma White served the clinching point for a 28-26 Blue Angel win. As has been the case in the previous two meetings between Mount Mary and Moody Bible, a back-and-forth match started to take place. Moody took set two by a 25-20 score.
In the third set, the close match continued as Moody pulled out a 25-21 win. The Blue Angels were not prepared to surrender however, taking the fourth set 25-22 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The positive ending the Blue Angels and their fans hoped for did not occur unfortunately. Moody Bible controlled the fifth set and won it by a score of 15-5 to win the match.
Abigail Manthey achieved a special accomplishment in Saturday's match against Moody Bible. Manthey's 43 digs are the most ever in a single match by a Mount Mary player. In addition to today's single game record, she has recorded matches of 38 digs twice, and 32 in another match since October 3rd.
In her last match in the Bloechl Center, Emma White put up a triple double with gaudy statistics. She recorded 12 kills, 23 assists and 16 digs. Rosalinda Palacios paced Mount Mary with 16 kills, Anastasia Paulino also played a fine match on her senior day, totaling 15 assists.
Mount Mary (3-19) will have a two week break from matches and then conclude their season on Saturday, November 9th. The Blue Angels will head to Ripon College on the 9th to complete their season. MMU will face the host Red Hawks and Coe College in their last action of 2024. Stay tuned to www.mtmaryathletics.com for all coverage of Mount Mary Volleyball.
