St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
Siena
St. John's Sweeps Siena In Home Opener
8/29/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2012
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QUEENS, N.Y. - In the 2012 home opener, St. John's downed Siena, a squad that won 23 games last season, by a score of 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-21) in front of a loud crowd at Carnesecca Arena.
"It was amazing playing in front of that many people," senior Gabriela Petkova said. "I feel like that was the first time in my four years we've had that many in the stands. I'm happy we could show them a win. Hopefully they're happy too."
St. John's (4-1) was anchored yet again by senior setter Sabina Piegza who dished out 30 assists, registering her second-consecutive match with 30 or more helpers. She has recorded at least 20 assists in all five contests. Piegza, who was named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll, also added three kills and six digs.
Freshman Shawna-Lei Santos and Petkova carried the Red Storm's defensive efforts, recording 13 and 11 digs, respectively. Petkova also contributed an assist and needs just five more to pass Lisa Tedder for fourth-most all-time at St. John's.
The St. John's back row held Siena's leading attacker and reigning Conference Player of the Year, Taylor Akana, to just a .088 attacking percentage.
The Red Storm attack was led by freshman Karin Palgutova, who racked up a team-high 13 kills on a .579 attacking percentage. The Slovakian also added two assists, two service aces, and six digs.
Senior Milica Krstojevic was second on the squad in kills with 10 - a new career-high. The former Oregon Duck also picked up a service ace and added four digs and two blocks.
The Red Storm has defeated the Saints in their last nine meetings and has swept them in six of their 11 all-time matchups.
NEXT UP
St. John's travels to New Britain, Conn. this weekend for the Central Connecticut State Invitational. The Red Storm will play host Central Connecticut State on Friday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. before taking on Brown at 11 a.m. and Holy Cross at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Live updates will be available via GameTracker and the official Twitter account: @STJ_Volleyball. Be sure to use the #stjvball hashtag as well.
