SAVANNAH, Ga. — It was a night of milestones, pressure points and two hard-earned victories for the St. Andrew’s varsity volleyball team.
The Lions opened Thursday’s home tri-match with a 2-0 victory over St. Vincent’s Academy, winning 29-27 and 25-22. They followed that performance with another straight-set win, defeating Savannah Country Day 29-27 and 26-24. Every set was decided by three points or fewer, requiring the Lions to remain composed throughout four tightly contested finishes.
The night was made even more memorable by the recognition of senior setter Grace Dare, who was celebrated for surpassing 1,000 assists in her St. Andrew’s career.
St. Andrew’s senior setter Grace Dare, who surpassed 1,000 career assists, helped lead the Lions to victories over St. Vincent’s Academy and Savannah Country Day on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of St. Andrew’s School Communication Department)
Dare followed the celebration with an all-around performance, finishing the two matches with 39 assists, 19 digs, four kills and three service aces. She recorded 21 assists and 10 digs against St. Vincent’s before adding 18 assists, nine digs, three kills and two aces against Savannah Country Day.
While Dare directed the offense, junior Khloe Jesswein provided the finishing power. Jesswein led the Lions with 25 kills and 19 digs on the night. She opened the trimatch with a double-double against St. Vincent’s, collecting 16 kills, 11 digs and two aces. She then contributed nine kills and eight digs in the victory over Savannah Country Day.
Senior Ryan McGee also delivered an important two-way performance, totaling 12 kills and 14 digs. McGee finished with five kills and nine digs against St. Vincent’s before producing seven kills and five digs against Savannah Country Day.
Defensively, senior Scarlett Holmes led the Lions with 20 digs while also tying Dare for the team lead with three aces. Holmes was especially effective in the second match, recording 12 digs, three kills and three aces against Savannah Country Day. Freshman Zyona Edwards added 17 digs across the two victories, helping the Lions withstand extended rallies and consistent pressure from both opponents.
As a team, St. Andrew’s finished the trimatch with 47 kills, 47 assists, 95 digs and 11 service aces. The balanced production proved critical during a night when each set remained undecided until the final few points.
St. Andrew’s senior Grace Dare, No. 11, celebrates with teammates after being recognized for surpassing 1,000 career assists during the Lions’ home tri-match Thursday. St. Andrew’s defeated St. Vincent’s Academy and Savannah Country Day to improve to 13-1. (Photo courtesy of St. Andrew’s School Communication Department)
The two victories improved the Lions to 13-1 and extended their winning streak to 12 consecutive matches, but the defining moment of the evening belonged to Dare. Her 1,000-assist milestone celebrated not only an impressive individual achievement, but also the consistency, leadership and unselfish play she has brought to the St. Andrew’s volleyball program throughout her career.
Photos courtesy of St. Andrew’s School Communication Department
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