Box Score As the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs quickly approach, the St. Catherine University volleyball team hoped it could play the spoiler against Hamline University – a squad with a 4-5 conference record fighting for two remaining post-season berths. 

Despite taking a set from the Pipers and fighting throughout the match, the Wildcats came up just short in shutting down the Pipers as they fell 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 25-23) Saturday afternoon in the Butler Center. 

Setter Karsee Knutson (New London, Minn.) had a monster day for the Wildcats as she recorded 36 assists – her highest match total since the Wildcats victory over Carleton. The junior had the best hitting day for the Wildcats with a .400 attacking percentage and was second on the team with seven kills. She also chipped in 18 digs and three block assists.

First-year Shanee Herd (Alexandria, Minn.) continued her strong play in the back row as she compiled a team-high 21 digs, while Shelby Rachel (Maple Lake, Minn.) was just behind her with 20. Rachel also contributed to the offensive effort with six kills and added an assist on one of the Wildcats' total eight blocks. 

Abigail Palmer (Pequot Lakes, Minn.) led the Wildcats with nine kills and also added 10 digs, four assists and a block assist. Amber Zeiher (LeSueur, Minn.) added to the offense with seven kills and a .227 hitting percentage. The sophomore middle alo picked up four digs, three block assists and an assist.

Maddy Mullins (Caledonia, Minn.), Zoe Peterson (Rosemount, Minn.) and Alyssa Besch (Lakeville, Minn.) each added five kills a piece. Besch also had a match-high five block assists. 

The Wildcats complete MIAC play Wednesday evening as they play host to Gustavus Adolphus College at 7 p.m. in the Butler Center. The season concludes Saturday, Nov. 2 when the Wildcats travel to Stevens Point, Wis., for two tournament matches. 

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