Smith’s record-tying performance leads XULA past Loyola New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Maya Smith had 10 blocks, tying the Xavier University of Louisiana match record, in a 27-25, 25-17, 26-24 volleyball victory Saturday against city rival Loyola.

Smith tied the record set by Moira Kirk in a four-set home loss to Mobile on Sept. 18, 2012.

“Maya puts up a good block,” XULA head coach Pat Kendrick said of the sophomore. “She takes up a lot of space because she gets over the net so fast.”

Freshmen Kennedy Wade (13 kills, 12 digs) and Emi Riglioni (17 assists, 10 digs) produced their first collegiate double-doubles. Senior Eva Le Guillou (16 assists, 11 digs) collected her 18th career double-double and her second in a row.

Taylor McGee had 11 kills, nine digs and two blocks for XULA (2-1), which won its second in a row since a three-set loss at Loyola to open the season. Vivica Price-Spraggins had six kills and four blocks, and Jennifer Torres had three aces and a season-high 20 digs.

Brittany Cooper had 10 kills, eight digs and two blocks for Loyola (2-1), and Jordan Bernard and Jules Mokry had eight kills apiece. Helene Masone had 15 digs, and Emily Sheperis and Casey Aucoin had four blocks apiece.

“Our first touches were much better today than they were the first time we played Loyola,” Kendrick said. “Today we were able to get into system more and not give away so many free balls.”

Kendrick set a XULA record for most career victories by a XULA volleyball head coach with 82. Last week she tied the record of her predecessor, Hannah Lawing, who coached XULA from 2013-16. Kendrick is 82-20 in her fourth season at XULA and 549-459 in her 34th season as a college head coach.