Arlington, Va. – Even after a three-hour trek and a road win just 24 hours prior, the Saints continued their stellar 2014 campaign on Thursday night.  Goucher never stood a chance against the Blue and White, as Marymount downed the Gophers in straight sets (25-12, 25-20, 25-19) to improve to 21-5 overall.

The first set saw the Saints firmly in control, using a five-point swing to corner the Gophers with an early 7-2 lead.  Marymount closed the set with a typical point-for-point parley, though Goucher never inched within a nine-point margin.

The second set proved much more competitive, as the visitors swiped an early 5-1 lead and consistently threatened to further extend the advantage. 

Marymount fell into a point-for-point rhythm shortly after the initial setback, but did not find its stride until senior Erin Allison stepped up to serve in the second rotation.  The captain proved every bit her title, igniting a 7-0 streak for the Saints that stole away both the lead and the momentum.  Allison smacked two kills over the seven-point run, bringing the Blue and White advantage to a tight 17-15.

From there, the second set appeared to be firmly in Marymount's grasp.  The Saints combated every Gopher point with one of their own, eventually edging the visitors 25-20 to close the set.

Marymount played to a 7-7 knot early in the third set before once again inching away.  The Saints always remained a good two steps – or points, for that matter – ahead of the Gophers until a quick four-point swing put Goucher back on top 16-15.

It was then that sophomore Hannah Steger took her turn to serve, silencing the Gophers with yet another 7-0 Marymount run.  With a 22-17 lead now firmly in tow, the Saints never allowed Goucher to get within four points as they reeled in their 21st win of the season.  

The Marymount setters put on quite a show, as freshman Rebecca Bateman and sophomore Zacharie Jackson combined for 29 assists on the night.  Both players contributed eight digs to the Saints' defensive effort.

Allison proved a dominating force, falling just one kill shy of a double-double.  The senior registered nine kills to complement her 11 digs in the quick three-set shutout.

Cassidie Watson matched her senior counterpart's 11 digs, with sophomore Emileigh Rettig adding six of her own.  Rettig also collected a match-high 11 kills in the night's work.

The Saints return to action on Wednesday when they host Salisbury in CAC action.  Match time is set for 7 p.m.