MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Saint Anselm volleyball stepped out of conference play Friday evening, hosting the University of Montevallo. The raucous crowd of nearly 200 in Stoutenburgh Gym showed great support for their Hawks, but it was the visiting Falcons who proved to be the better bird, winning 25-22, 25-16, 25-18.

Freshman middle Amanda Williams (North Andover, Mass.) led the Hawks with eight kills on .357 hitting and added four total blocks on the night. Sophomore Brennah Gladwill (Citrus Heights, Calif.) added six kills and freshman out side Kathryn Teets (Dix Hills, N.Y.) finished with five.

Senior setter Natalie Steinwart (Aurora, Ill.) dished out 19 assists and added 10 digs to post her second double-double of the season, and first in a three-set match. Senior Libero Melissa Jewett (Newton, Mass.) picked up 16 digs in the loss.

Montevallo (6-4) outhit the Hawks .209 to .059 for the match, notched nine services aces and out-dug Saint Anselm 55-47 as a team.

The teams played even through the first set before the Falcons got in rhythm. Montevallo hit a blistering .342 in the second set alone to cruse to a quick 2-0 lead.

Yet the Hawks made some offensive adjustments, and after some redrawn strategy, they found a spark. Scoring three big blocks over a five-point span, Saint Anselm would take a 16-15 lead after a pair of Montevallo errors. Yet the Hawks' offense stalled as it struggled in serve receive, giving up a 10-2 run to close out the match.

The Hawks will have a quick turnaround, stepping back into Stoutenburgh for a Sunday tri-match featuring Georgian Court and Merrimack. Saint Anselm and GCU will start the day at 11 a.m. and the Hawks will battle NE-10 rival Warriors in the 3 p.m. matchup.

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