Box Score 2 |

The St. Catherine University volleyball team opened the Hamline University tournament with a strong showing as it downed Crwon College 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-13) before taking down Ripon 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-21) to go 2-0 Friday night in St. Paul. 

The Wildcats received big performances from several players, but none had a better night that sophomore Alyssa Besch (Lakeville, Minn.) who compiled 21 kills and eight block assists to lead the Wildcats to victory. The middle blocker hit an impressive .818 in the straight-set win over Crown before turning aroung to lead the team in kills (12) against Ripon. 

Junior Jana Christensen (North Mankato, Minn.) also had a impressive night as she led the Wildcats in kills (10) against Crown and hit .444. She then compiled a team-high six block assists in the second match of the evening as part of a total of seven total team blocks. 

First-year Abigail Palmer (Pequot Lakes, Minn.) continued her impressive play as she totaled 15 kills and 20 digs on the night, while fellow first-year Shelby Rachel (Maple Lake, Minn.) compiled 12 kills and 22 digs between both matches. 

The Wildcat setters continued to fuel the team's offense with all three juniors contributing to the team success. Jordyn Wentland (Blaine, Minn.) led the way as she dished out 40 assists and four service aces on the night. Against Crown, Ashley Kahlow (LeSueur, Minn.) led with 24 assists and two services aces, while Karsee Knutson (New London, Minn.) matched Wentland's 22 assists in the Ripon match. 

Defensively, Marnie Gubash (Blaine, Minn.) led the Wildcats against Crown with 15 digs, while first-year Shanee Herd (Alexandria, Minn.) came up with a team-high 22 digs. 

On the night, the Wildcats compiled 12 total team blocks and 16 service aces to continue their strong play in both areas.

With the wins, the Wildcats improve to 4-3 on the season. The Wildcats complete play at the Hamline tournament Saturday as they face UW-River Falls at 12 p.m. before taking on Bethany Lutheran College at 2 p.m. 

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