ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- After weeks on the road, the UMSL Tritons volleyball program was itching to hit Chuck Smith Court this weekend.

And they certainly made up for lost time as they concluded the weekend with back-to-back sweeps of Rockhurst on Friday and William Jewell College on Saturday.

For the Tritons (9-3, 4-0 GLVC), home certainly is where the heart is.

On Saturday, the Tritons never trailed in the opening set, winning 25-11.

In the second and match-tilting set, authoritative kills by seniors Charlotte Richards, Megan Woll, and Karlyn Hannewald illuminated the court, as the Tritons only trailed at one juncture, early on, when the Cardinals tied the score twice and took a momentarily lead, 4-3.

UMSL regained the lead minutes later and never retreated -- a common theme so far on the young season.

The Cardinals were able to sustain possessions, rattling off four consecutive points but could never swarm the Tritons.

During the final set, Richards, Olivia Klank, and Hannewald, all notched kills.

In fitting fashion, the match ended when Woll's assist to Richards finished off the Cardinals.

Richards was one of three players recognized ( Woll career digs leader) and Kaileen Herman (2,000 assists) Friday night for her stellar collegiate career, as she surpassed 1,000 kills in the red and white.

Richards, of course, said her teammates had a lot to do with the accomplishment.

"It is a huge honor," the senior said. "It is something I wouldn't have been able to do without the help of my team. Just having their support and them pushing me in practice."

Motivating factors are lengthy, sure, but for Richards, the on-court success is a direct byproduct of the sustained relationships and bonds that have been built elsewhere.

Said Richards: "It translates a lot. I mean, if someone is having a bad day or is struggling, we are there to help and support them. Having their support outside of volleyball, we always enjoy the time together. It's great, and it definitely helps us with our connections."

The Tritons enter next week 9-3, and while it's early, the assessment is continuous, Richards said.

"We are doing pretty well, but we are still going to go back in the gym Monday and work hard and focus on the things we want to accomplish this season," she said. "We have some high goals. We are going to prepare for McKendree (Oct. 1) and Southern Indiana (Oct. 2).

The Tritons return home Oct. 5 against Missouri S & T.

Below are the game stats from the William Jewell match.

Kills: Richards (19), Hannewald (11), and Mya Elliott (5).

Aces: Woll (3), Herman (3), and Alexa Rang (1).

Blocks: Olivia Klank (1) and Yodier Paige (1).

Assists: Herman (24), Leah Luchinski (15), and Woll (3).

Digs: Richards (13), Woll (11), and Herman (7).