Arlington, Va. – Marymount University's fourth-seeded women's volleyball team defeated visiting fifth seed St. Mary's (Md.) 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-19, 14-25, 15-12) in the first round of the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament on Tuesday night. The Saints advance to face top-seeded Christopher Newport in the CAC Semifinals on Thursday night in Newport News, Va.

The five set battle was the fourth in as many matches against the Seahawks over the past two seasons. Marymount has posted a 4-0 record in the marathon events, all coming in the friendly confines of the Verizon Sports Arena.

Three Saints (19-13) notched double-figure kills led by Erin Allison with a match-high 20. Morgan McAlpin and Emileigh Rettig both added 16 in the win.

Brianne Fitzpatrick paced the Marymount offense with 52 assists and was one of three Saints to post a double-double with 14 digs. Allison and Rettig both also achieved the feat, collecting 14 and 19 digs, respectively. 

McAlpin notched four service aces with Fitzpatrick adding three.

Defensively, Cassidie Watson led Marymount with a match-best 22 digs. McAlpin posted four blocks while Emily Shultis and Becca Schroeder each had three.

Mandy Goodspeed led St. Mary's (18-10) with 18 kills and six blocks.

Marymount returns to action on Thursday in the CAC Tournament Semifinals at Christopher Newport.