Box Score
 
After coming off a tough loss in a hard-fought match against the St. Thomas, the St. Catherine University hoped to carry over some positive energy and momentum to pick up a much-needed Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) win.
 
The Wildcats were able to do just that as they took down Hamline in straight-sets (25-22, 25-20, 26-24) to improve to 3-3 in the MIAC and 9-9 overall, Wednesday evening.
 
“I'm very happy we got the win,” said Head Coach Corey Phelps, “but it wasn't our best effort. We need to tie up some loose ends moving forward.”
 
Phelps' squad struggled hitting against the Pipers (.136), but managed to make up for it in other areas of the game. “We served well tonight,” said Phelps. “Defensively, we were solid which was great.”
 
The Wildcats' outstanding service game saw a total of eight aces from four different players and had just one service error – a team low this season. Defensively, the Wildcats had a total of six blocks including a solo block from first-year Zoe Barr (River Falls, Wis.) on match point to seal the victory.
 
Senior hitter Brittni Wangerin (Prior Lake, Minn.) seemed to find her stride against the Pipers as she led the team with 11 kills and hit .269 on the evening. She also chipped in 11 digs and led the team with three service aces.
 
Fellow senior Marie O'Neil (St. Michael, Minn.) was also solid for the Wildcats as she hit a team-high .300 on the night and recorded eight kills. The middle blocker also showed her dominance at the net as she recorded one solo and one block assist.
 
Both Wildcat setters had big nights all around as Ashley Kahlow (LeSueur, Minn.) and Jordyn Wentland (Blaine, Minn.) had 15 and 12 assists, respectively. Both sophomores contributed to the impressive Wildcat service game with two aces a piece.
 
“Overall, I'm happy we got the win,” said Phelps. “We're looking forward to some good competition this weekend to help us prepare for next Wednesday versus Saint Benedict.”
 
The Wildcats travel to UW-Platteville for a two-day tournament beginning Friday against Dubuque at 6 p.m. MIAC play resumes Wednesday, Oct. 10, as the Wildcats travel north to take on Saint Benedict at 7 p.m.
 
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