INDIANAPOLIS, In.- Gonzaga Volleyball was victorious again Saturday, defeating the Bellarmine Knights in four sets.
After dropping the first set, the Bulldogs rallied to win three straight sets and take home a second win in as many days. The win was powered by an incredible defensive performance, with the Zags holding the Knights to only a .110 attack percentage. GU amassed 13 blocks, controlling the net and ultimately the game.
Dani Johnson led the game in blocks, logging a career high eight blocks, two of which were solo. Johnson led every team in the invitational with 13 blocks on the weekend. Sjakkie Donkers was a key factor on both ends of the court, scoring a double-double with 18 kills and 16 digs. Kate Herrick tallied a career high in assists, contributing 25. Nia Damuni added an additional 21 assists, scoring another double-double thanks to 11 digs.
With the win Gonzaga tied for first place in the IU Indy Hampton Inn Invitational, winning the title based on the tiebreaker of set record (7-4). The Zags swept IU Indy last night to secure the best set record and the only straight sets win of any team in the tournament.
Sjakkie Donkers was named the MVP for the Invitational, leading the team in both Digs (31) and kills (45) while hitting .378. Two Zags were named to the All-Tournament team, with Fallon Thompson and Donkers being recognized for their remarkable attacking performances. Thompson scored 30 kills on a .338 attack percentage.
This invitational win is just the start for the Zags, as head coach JT Wenger stated postgame that he's "proud of the effort and grit we displayed over the weekend. We had solid performance by many players and that helped propel us to playing our best volleyball of this young season." The future is bright for Zag Volleyball: "I continue to be excited about both the growth since August and the future of this program".
The Zags look ahead to their next home game on Thursday, September 18 against Montana. Tickets are on sale now, and this is the last home nonconference game before the Zags begin their final season in the WCC.
