Fresh off a 3-0 weekend, the Wildcats were ready to atone for their opening conference game against Carleton and notch their first conference victory of the season.  The Wildcats energy showed from the moment they stepped on the court, and they outlasted a tough St. Mary's team 3-1.  With the win, the Wildcats are now 12-2 on the season (1-1 MIAC) while St. Mary's falls to 7-4 (1-2). 

The Wildcats took an early lead in the first set and were able to hold off a late rally by St. Mary's to take the opener 25-22.  After winning the first set, the Wildcats came out flat and allowed St. Mary's to build a large lead.  While the Wildcats rallied and tied the game at 23, the Cardinals were able to score the last two points to take the set 25-23 and even the match at one game apiece. 

Not wanting to see their early lead slip away, the Wildcats responded in the third set, dictating play from the start with a strong service series from Ashley Kahlow, and eventually winning the set 25-17.  The Wildcats built a small lead in the fourth set, but St. Mary's kept rallying back.  With the score tied at 25 all, the Wildcats would creep ahead, but St. Mary's kept responding to keep the game going.  Finally, the Wildcats were able to get their two in a row, and won the fourth set 29-27 to take the match. 

Kahlow and Jordyn Wentland both had four aces for the Wildcats, and each racked up over 20 assists.  Stephanie Meschke and Brittni Wangerin provided a 1-2 offensive punch, as Meschke had 12 kills and Wangerin had 16.  Callie Teigen was a rock defensively with 29 digs. 

The Wildcats head to Moorhead on Saturday to take on MIAC preseason favorite Concordia. 

Box Score