ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - The Wildcats opened the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) season on the road against the Bennies from the College of Saint Benedict in a thrilling four set match Wednesday evening. The Wildcats dropped the first two sets (10-25, 22-25) to the Bennies but came out strong after the break to take the third set 26-24. The fourth set was a battle on both sides of the net but ultimately loss another close set 21-25. The Bennies were the 2017 MIAC Conference Playoff Champions last season and earned a spot to the national tournament. 

The Bennies have been a strong program over the last several years coming out the victors against the Wildcats each time the two teams have met since seniors Emily Carman (Maple Grove, Minn. / Osseo) and Mackenzie Peper (Osceola, Wis.) were first-years. Despite a tough first set for St. Kate's, the Wildcats came ready to play and challenged the Bennies to three close sets to follow. 

Junior Emma Nelson (Byron, Minn.) played a key role in the four set match racking up 23 digs and 16 kills, which were both career bests for the outside hitter. Right side, Carman also had a stellar match adding 11 kills and 2 blocks playing all four sets for the Wildcats.

Assisting Nelson in the back row with 23 digs was first-year libero Grace Amacher (Faribault, Minn.). Since arriving on campus this summer, Amacher has earned her spot on the court as a first-year starter managing the ball in each play she is in. Amacher is joined by first-years Bry Levenertz (Andover, Minn.) and Lauren Isaacson (Faribault, Minn.) earning playing time in each match this season including all four sets today. 

The Wildcats are on the road again Friday and Saturday at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls Tournament for three matches. The Wildcats take on UW-River Falls at 7 p.m. Friday, Simpson College and 10:30 a.m. and UW-Stevens Point at 2:30 p.m. both on Saturday. The next conference match is home against Bethel on Wednesday, September 19 at 7 p.m.