After going 2-0 to open the Hamline University tournament Friday, the St. Catherine University volleyball team couldn't build on its momentum as it suffered a tough 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 11-25, 22-25) to UW-River Falls before losing a heartbreaker to Bethany Lutheran 3-2 (25-13, 25-11, 18-25, 23-25, 14-16) Saturday afternoon in St. Paul. 

"We played well against River Falls, but just came up a little short," said Head Coach Corey Phelps. "Our youth showed up for the first time this season against Bethany Lutheran. We beat them easily in the first two sets, but then came out flat and that cost us momentum that we never regained. It was definitely a learning experience for us."

Despite losing two close matches, the Wildcats again received several impressive performances. The most impressive individual performance came from first-year libero Shanee Herd (Alexandria, Minn.) who was named to the all-tournament team. Against the Falcons, she managed to compile a team-high 15 digs before putting together 12 against the Vikings. 

First-year Shelby Rachel (Maple Lake, Minn.) also had two impressive outings Saturday as she compiled a total of 18 kills and had a team-high 19 digs against Bethany Lutheran. Abigail Palmer (Pequot Lakes, Minn.) also came up big for the Wildcats as she had five kills and 14 digs in the loss to UW-River Falls. 

The Wildcats setters also had another big day and were again led by Jordyn Wentland (Blaine, Minn.) with 33 assists between both matches, while Karsee Knutson (New London, Minn.) and Ashley Kahlow (LeSueur, Minn.) each dished out 25. 

As a team, the Wildcats continued to be impressive on the blocking front as they came up with eight total team blocks in each matchup Saturday. Alyssa Besch (Lakeville, Minn.) - who had a big night Friday - lead the team with four block assists and two solo blocks, while Jana Christensen (North Mankato, Minn.) had two solo blocks. 

The Wildcats fall to 4-5 on the season and will again face the UW-River Falls in their home opener Wednesday evening at the Butler Center at 7 p.m. 

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