ST. PETER, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University volleyball team wrapped up their regular season on Saturday falling to the top ranked Gustavus Adolphus Golden Gusties on Saturday evening. The Wildcats fell 3-1 to the Gusties snapping the team's win streak after not dropping a match since September 28 when they fell to College of Saint Benedict.

Junior Mallory Johnson posted a team best 13 kills with two blocks followed by Liz Rosen with ten kills and 13 digs. Lexie Petrick added eleven digs, nine kills, and three aces while Lucia Neuman had 27 assists and Brenna Essig had a team high 15 digs. 

In a tightly first set, both St. Kate's and Gustavus traded points with impressive kills and defensive plays.  Lexie Petrick kept St. Catherine competitive, while Gustavus Adolphus relied on Mara Holland and Lauren Klaith to respond with strong kills. St. Catherine pulled ahead with service aces from Petrick and Essig, and a series of attacks by Rosen pushing the match into extra points. 

In another competitive set, both Gustavus Adolphus and St. Catherine put on a strong display, with multiple players contributing kills and defensive efforts. A few errors and service aces added tension as both teams struggled for control. The Gusties gained a late advantage with kills from Klaith and Macie Malchow, ultimately winning the set 25-20. 

In the third set, the Wildcats struggled with attack and service errors, which allowed the Gusties to edge ahead. Gustavus ultimately secured the set victory with a score of 25-23, ending on an attack error from St. Kate's.

In this intense final set, the back-and-forth was marked by key plays and errors on both sides.  Despite some errors of their own, Gustavus managed to clinch the set 25-19, closing with a kill by Leah Berg, once again.

Despite the loss the Wildcats have earned a first round bye in the MIAC Playoffs and will host the second highest remaining seed after Tuesday's first round.