The St. Catherine University volleyball team was optimistic about its chances for a successful outing at the Saint Mary's University Sugarloaf Classic this weekend. But despite it's best efforst, the young Wildcat squad fell to Lakeland College 3-1 in the opening match before falling 3-2 in the second to UW-Stout Friday evening in Winona, Minn.

Despite losing two close matches, the Wildcats had a several players who delivered stellar performances throughout both matches, especially junior setter Karsee Knutson (New London, Minn.). 

Against the Muskies, Knutson delivered a career-best 22 assists to lead the Wildcats offensively. Then, she turned around and bettered her performance from the first match when she dished out 24 assists in a heartbreaking five-set loss to UW-Stout. 
 
First-year Abigail Palmer (Pequot Lakes, Minn.) opened her collegiate career with a double-double performance as she racked up 13 kills and 11 digs to lead the Wildcats. She the proved she had even more to give when she delivered 17 kills and 21 digs in the second match vs. the Blue Devils. 

Defensively, libero Shanee Herd (Alexandria, Minn.) was outstanding as she turned in 37 digs to lead the Wildcats againt the Blue Devils. First-year Shelby Rachel (Maple Lake, Minn.) also had a strong first outing as she tallied 18 digs in the first match and 17 in the second. 

Other notable performances included Jordyn Wentland (Blaine, Minn.) with 23 assists against UW-Stout and Jana Christensen (North Mankato, Minn.) who combined for 17 kills in both matches. 

 
The Wildcats are slated for two matches Saturday in Winona as they take on Luther College at 2 p.m., before facing Dominican University (Ill.) at 4 p.m. 

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