MOORHEAD, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University volleyball team opened MIAC play with a statement win on Friday night, sweeping Concordia-Moorhead in straight sets (27–25, 25–20, 25–22) inside Memorial Auditorium. The victory moved the Wildcats to 5–10 overall and gave them a 1–0 start in conference play.

The first set set the tone for the evening, with both sides trading points deep into extra play. Marta Haugen sparked the Wildcats' offense early, while Concordia's Mallory Leitner kept the Cobbers close. With the score tied at 24, St. Kate's leaned on its balance at the net. Kills from Liz Rosen and Haugen finally put the set away, 27–25.

The second frame showcased the Wildcats' depth, as Mallory Johnson and Madison Fagan took over offensively while Quin Parish provided a lift off the bench. The Cobbers tried to mount a rally but St. Kate's defense stiffened, and a late push from Fagan and Emily Bredman sealed a 25–20 win.

The Wildcats looked poised to close quickly in the third, racing to an 8–1 lead on the strength of Rosen's serving and a series of kills from Haugen and Fagan. Concordia responded by clawing back into the set and cutting the deficit to two points.  But St. Kate's remained composed in the final rallies, with Johnson and Haugen landing key swings to complete the sweep, 25–22.

Haugen finished the night with a match-high 13 kills and six digs, while Fagan contributed eight kills and four blocks to lead the Wildcats in points. Johnson added nine kills at a .316 clip, and Rosen chipped in five kills to go with 10 digs. Setter Addison Preuss ran the offense smoothly with 19 assists and two aces, while libero Alexa Carlstrom anchored the defense with 14 digs.

St. Kate's returns to action Saturday as they host No. 21 ranked Gustavus Adolphus College at 5 pm inside of Butler Center.