Own worst enemy

Whether it was a serve, spike or pass, the University of Saint Mary volleyball team struggled with its execution Thursday.

Tormented by self-inflicted miscues throughout the night, the Lady Spires were swept in straight sets by visiting McPherson 25-16, 25-16, 25-22.

“We made too many errors all around,” USM coach Sarah Johnson said. “We served balls out, we hit balls out, we couldn’t pass and you just can’t do that stuff and expect to win.”

The loss dropped USM to 8-17 overall, 4-9 in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, and leaves the Lady Spires tied for seventh in the conference with Bethel College.

“I don’t know if we just weren’t mentally prepared or thought it would be easy,” Johnson said, “but they simply made adjustments from our last match and we didn’t.”

Amber Mahoney led Saint Mary with seven kills, Danielle Dowdy was the team leader in assists with 26 and Amelia Noll delivered 19 digs for the Lady Spires.

Jordyne Seichepine had a team-high two blocks.

Saint Mary will play in a tournament at Haskell Indian Nations University this Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

“We have to refocus,” Johnson said. “We have to get mentally tough. We have to be able to regroup and let this night go. We have to move on.”