ELSAH, Ill. – The Golden Eagles swept the first St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) match of the year with a 3-0 triumph over Principia.

Spalding is now 2-8 overall and 1-0 in SLIAC play after the 25-8, 25-9, 25-10 win. The Panthers fell to 0-4 with a 0-2 league mark.

TURNING POINT

Principia scored the first point of the opening set, but that was the only time the Panthers had momentum in the frame. Starting with the 5-3 point for SU, the Golden Eagles went on a 15-0 run. Halle Calbert played a big part in the streak with three service aces and a kill. Spalding won the set 25-8.

The Golden Eagle dominance continued in set two. SU opened the frame with a 4-0 run and never looked back. Spalding put together another big run with a 15-1 showing. For the second-straight set Principia failed to put up double digit points. SU won 25-9.

Spalding faced a little more of a challenge in the third set. The Panthers fought hard and pulled within three at two points in the frame. The Golden Eagles went on a 13-2 run to end the set and clinch the match with a 25-10 win.

GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES

• Spalding led in every positive team category: kills (25-9), aces (9-1), blocks (2-0), assists (24-7), and digs (45-29).
• Principia was held to a negative hitting percentage in each set with a -.152 average.
• Jayda Branch led the Golden Eagles in kills with nine.
• Ella Clark impressed on both offense and defense with a match-high 16 assists and 10 digs.

 
NEXT FOR SPALDING

Spalding takes on Greenville in a road match on Tuesday. First serve is set for 8 p.m.