Saint Anselm 3, Emory & Henry 1: close sets erase the Wasps’ strong start
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL · SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 · RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Executive brief
Emory & Henry opened with a 25–14 win but lost the next three sets to Saint Anselm on September 5. Two of those losses were by two points. [1]
Official results — event profile
| Measure | Saint Anselm | Emory & Henry |
|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | 14 | 25 |
| Set 2 | 25 | 23 |
| Set 3 | 25 | 21 |
| Set 4 | 26 | 24 |
| Kills | 46 | 51 |
| Aces | 5 | 5 |
| Digs | 70 | 74 |
Published results. [1]
Decisive pattern
The Wasps led 51–46 in kills and 74–70 in digs overall. Saint Anselm won the fourth 26–24, with 14 kills against the Wasps’ 13 in that set. [1]
Player impact
Tori Boling led Emory & Henry with ten kills. Alex Hester and Sadie Prinz had eight each, while Journey Hinz recorded 13 digs. Sam Pila led Saint Anselm with 11 kills. [1]
Mayberry’s take
The broad team totals preserve the strength of the opening set, but set scoring does not carry surplus points forward. The later narrow losses therefore deserve attention independently of the overall production advantage. Emory & Henry demonstrated an ability to create a wide margin; the unresolved task was converting closer sets when that margin was unavailable. The statistics do not identify a single player or decision responsible.
Conference context
This was nonconference play. It supplies evidence about the team’s performance without directly changing the SAC league standings. Comparisons with future opponents should account for differences in the opposition.
Evidence scope
This retrospective uses official match statistics. It distinguishes documented production from interpretation and does not infer unreported tactics, injuries or coaching decisions.