SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – In the season finale for Academy of Art volleyball, ART U posted their best attack percentage (.243) of the evening in the first set with 13 kills, and the duo of freshman outside hitters Katherine Von Kraut (13) and Ashley Mecham (10) would go on to lead the entire match in kills. Despite their efforts, it was Dominican that would walk away the victor in Pacific West Conference Northern California pod action by a final of 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-20). 

Matching the 13 kills of the Urban Knights in the first set, the Penguins used a quick 7-2 scoring run to capture the lead from ART U, one they would not relinquish. Five of Mecham's 10 kills would come in the first set alone, as she would end her night with a double-double by also recording 11 digs. While the Knights cut it to just a two-point lead late, they couldn't quite capture the momentum to steal the set back.

Each of the next two sets saw the Knights reach double-digit kills while Dominican only did so in the second (their best attack percentage at .212), but the Penguins would battle through and control the final two sets. Even in defeat ART U would post match-highs, as redshirt senior Kiersten Kerch had the best mark in blocks with four (three assisted, one solo), and freshman setter Nina Garcia would lead all players in assists with 28. Pacing the team in digs was senior Ashley Pawlak with 13. 

For all the latest news and information on the upcoming ART U volleyball season, stay tuned to www.ARTUAthletics.com.