The St. John’s women’s volleyball team earned a 3-1 victory over DePaul in a BIG EAST match on Saturday at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Chicago. The win improved the Red Storm’s record to 9-18 overall and 5-9 in conference play, while DePaul dropped to 13-12 overall and 6-8 in the BIG EAST.
After losing the first set, St. John’s responded by holding DePaul to a .150 hitting percentage across the next three sets. The Red Storm recorded 12 service aces as a team, their second-highest total this season. Set scores were 18-25, 25-19, 25-16, and 25-20.
“This was a fantastic, gritty BIG EAST road win by our squad,” said Head Coach Joanne Persico. “Our youngest Johnnies, Ella [Parker], Martina [Capponcelli], Ana [Franca Benjamim] and Chloe [Bell], each made crucial plays in crucial moments. Our game strategy, led by coach Ryan Cole, was on point today.”
Martina Ghezzi led St. John’s with 16 kills. Ella Parker added 13 kills and served four aces to tie her career mark. Chloe Bell contributed a career-high of 11 kills, while Martina Capponcelli also reached a personal best with seven kills. Erin Jones provided support with 41 assists.
On defense, Rashanny Solano Smith collected a team-high of 14 digs and Ghezzi contributed two blocks out of the team’s seven total blocks.
DePaul started strong in the first set with an early lead but St. John’s narrowed the gap before dropping the frame. In subsequent sets, St. John’s established early leads and used service aces to maintain control.
The Red Storm will finish their regular season with two matches: hosting No. 12 Creighton for Senior Night on Friday, Nov. 14 at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, followed by an away match against Seton Hall at Walsh Gym on Sunday.
