Final Stats

Villanova held off a fierce challenge from Siena to post a 3-0 (25-17, 32-30 and 25-22) victory Friday night on the opening day of play in the Villanova Classic. Senior Christina Monroe led all players with 11 kills without an error in 19 swings for the Saints.

Villanova got 44 assists, five aces and eight digs from setter Emma Pettit. Allison Fitzgerald had a match-high 17 digs, and Michelle Adams had 16 in the victory.

Siena sophomore Samantha Pethokoukis had eight kills in 16 attacks with just one error matched up against her sister Gabby who stars for Villanova. Gabby finished with six kills in 25 attacks and added three blocks.

Villanova controlled the action in the first set on its way to a 25-17 win. The Wildcats hit .410 compared to .125 for the Saints in the opener. The second set was a wild one, and ultimately proved to be the difference in the match. The teams battled well past 25, and each had its opportunities, but Villanova prevailed with a 32-30 win. Siena hit .312 in the second set and got contributions from several players.

Villanova built a 23-15 lead in the third set, but the Saints roared back behind the serving of junior Bobbi Lin Kalama, winning seven straight points to pull within 23-22. The Wildcats stopped the run with a kill by Gabby Pethokoukis, and won the match on an attack error.

ECAC and MAAC Libero of the Week Kalehua Katagiri had 16 digs for the Saints. Setter Haley Howell finished with 31 assists, three blocks and two aces.

The Saints complete play in the Villanova Classic with two matches Saturday. Siena and James Madison meet at 11 a.m. and the Saints face Howard at 5 p.m.