WINONA, Minn. – The St. Catherine University volleyball team fell to Saint Mary's University in straight sets Friday evening, October 23, at Saint Mary's Gymnasium. The Cardinals earned the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) victory by scores of 27-25, 25-16, and 26-24.
Marta Haugen led the Wildcats (5-15, 3-4 MIAC) with eight kills, while Maddie Newton and Alivia Hanover each added six. Maneeje Mostaghimi recorded a match-high 12 digs, followed by Newton with 11.
The opening set featured 14 ties and five lead changes as the two teams battled for control. Trailing 18-15, St. Catherine rattled off five consecutive points to take a 20-18 advantage. The Wildcats later held a 24-22 lead, but Saint Mary's fought back to tie the score before eventually taking the set, 27-25.
St. Catherine opened the second set with a 6-3 advantage before the Cardinals responded to take the lead. Saint Mary's built a 16-11 cushion midway through the frame and closed the set with six unanswered points to earn a 25-16 victory.
The Wildcats came out strong in the third set, using a four-point run to establish a 13-9 lead. St. Catherine maintained its advantage late into the frame, moving ahead 23-20 before reaching set point at 24-21. However, the Cardinals scored five consecutive points to take the set, 26-24, and complete the sweep.
Jalyn Wolle dished out a team-high 10 assists, while Addison Preuss and Lauren Dallas each contributed five. Wolle and Dallas also recorded one service ace apiece.
St. Kate's welcomes St. Olaf College (RV) to Butler Center on Saturday at 3 pm. The Oles are coaches by St. Kate's volleyball alumna, Emma Nelson '20.
