Chargers Battle but Fall in Four Sets at St. Thomas
The Crandall Chargers showed resilience throughout the match but came up short Friday afternoon, falling in four sets (16–25, 26–24, 21–25, 21–25) to St. Thomas at LB Gym.
After dropping the opening set, Crandall responded with a strong second-set performance to even the match, but St. Thomas regrouped and closed out the final two sets behind a balanced offensive attack.
Strong Response in the Second Set
St. Thomas took control early, using efficient attacking to claim the opening set 25–16. The Chargers answered in the second, tightening up defensively and finding offensive rhythm to pull out a 26–24 win and level the match at one set apiece.
The third set remained competitive, with Crandall trading points and staying within reach, but St. Thomas pulled away late to secure the set 25–21. The hosts carried that momentum into the fourth, closing out the match with another 25–21 victory.
Individual Performances
Francois Benoit led the Chargers with 12 kills and nine digs, while Jack Hillier added eight kills and six digs. Connor Kirkland contributed four kills and two block assists, and Payton Sanipass chipped in two kills and a service ace.
Setter Mico Guiao directed the offense with 32 assists, while the Chargers totaled nine team blocks and 36 digs in a balanced defensive effort.
Crandall finished with 39 kills and a .134 hitting percentage, but St. Thomas' consistency at the net and ability to capitalize late in sets proved decisive.