ST. PAUL, Minn. – The St. Catherine University volleyball team closed out its 2026 season Friday evening at Butler Center, falling to Bethel University in straight sets (21-25, 20-25, 19-25). The Wildcats finished the season with a 5-19 overall record and a 3-8 mark in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play.
Prior to the match, St. Catherine celebrated Senior Day, recognizing Jalyn Wolle, Josie Popp and Quinlynn Parish for their contributions to the Wildcats volleyball program. All three seniors took the court in their final collegiate match, highlighting an evening dedicated to their commitment and impact on the program.
The Wildcats opened the match with a competitive first set, trading points with the Royals through seven ties. St. Catherine remained within striking distance late in the frame, pulling within two at 21-19 before Bethel secured the 25-21 win. The Royals carried that momentum into the second set, building an early advantage. Despite a late push from the Wildcats, Bethel claimed the set 25-20 before closing out the match with a 25-19 victory in the third.
Sophomore Marta Haugen led the Wildcats offensively with a match-high 11 kills, hitting .250 on 24 attempts. Parish added eight kills and four digs in her final appearance, while Maddie Newton contributed eight kills, a team-high 17 digs and two service aces. Alivia Hanover chipped in seven kills while hitting .222.
Wolle directed the Wildcats' offense with 29 assists, six digs and a service ace in her final match and Popp also appeared in the starting lineup, rounding out the trio of Wildcats honored during the pregame celebration. Maneeje Mostaghimi added 12 digs and a service ace, while Grace Nelson recorded nine digs.
As a team, St. Catherine totaled 37 kills, 33 assists, 53 digs and four service aces. Bethel finished the regular season undefeated in conference play at 11-0, improving to 25-4 overall with the victory.
Friday's match marked the conclusion of the Wildcats' 2026 campaign and an opportunity to recognize Wolle, Popp and Parish for their dedication, leadership and contributions to St. Catherine volleyball throughout their collegiate careers.
