Saint Mary’s hosts two girls’ volleyball camps

Saint Mary’s is hosting two girls’ volleyball camps July 18-29 for students entering grades six through 12 in the fall.

This first camp, “Session I,” is for girls entering grades six through eight and will be held Sunday, July 18, through Thursday, July 22. The second camp, “Session II,” is for girls entering grades nine through 12 and will be held Sunday, July 25, through Thursday, July 29.

These camps provide a great experience for players who want intense work in a competitive atmosphere. Seventy-five percent of the focus will be on individual skills, and the other 25 percent will be on team play. Mike Lester, SMU’s head volleyball coach, will lead this camp with the assistance of SMU women’s volleyball team members.

Rates are $375 before April 15 and $395 after April 15. Register and pay online at www.smumn.edu/camps. This registration fee includes lodging and meals, as well as access to the Recreation and Athletics Center, indoor pool, weight room, dance studio, hiking trails, disc golf course, track and soccer complex, ropes course and more. For more information, call Ext. 6921.

Gardner earns All-America honorable-mention honors

For junior Sarah Gardner (Rochester, Minn.), the volleyball season came to a close with a 3-1 loss to Washington University in St. Louis in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Central Regional.

The awards season, however, is still in full swing.

Gardner, already named to the All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First Team and the AVCA Central Region First Team — not to mention the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament Team — collected yet another post-season honor Tuesday, as the junior right side hitter earned AVCA Honorable-Mention All-America honors.

Gardner closed out the season as SMU’s kill leader with 386 (3.16 kills per set). She appeared in all 122 sets, boasting a .272 attack percentage, 55 service aces, 197 digs, 58 blocks and 75 assists.

Her efforts helped guide the Cardinals to a 22-10 overall record and their first NCAA tournament berth since the 2000 season.

Women's volleyball team advances to NCAA semifinals

The SMU women's volleyball team had a 3-1 victory over Thomas More in the opening round of the NCAA Central Regional at Washington (Mo.) University Thursday. They now advance to the Central Region semifinals at 7 p.m. today, Friday, Nov. 13, where they face off against Washington University. Check out the latest news and photos at www.saintmaryssports.com.