Winona, MN — Crown volleyball opened its season in Winona on Friday, taking on Saint Mary's University in its first match of the year.
The Polars fell behind early in the opening set as the Cardinals built a 14-5 lead. Faith Sperl helped spark Crown with a pair of service aces, but Saint Mary's extended its advantage to 21-10 before taking the first set, 25-13.
Saint Mary's carried the momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 12-3 lead. Crown responded with back-to-back kills from Delaney Boone and Madilyn Smith, trimming the deficit and giving the Polars some life. The Cardinals answered from there, however, and claimed the second set, 25-11.
The third set stayed closer early, with Lauren Burnett's kill making it 7-5. Lily Duquaine later added a pair of kills as Crown fought back to within 14-12. Saint Mary's closed the set strong to finish off the match with a 25-15 third-set win.
Burnett led Crown offensively with five kills, while Sperl added seven assists.
The Polars will remain in Winona on Saturday for two matches, facing Luther College at 9 a.m. before taking on St. Scholastica at 11 a.m.
