The 23rd ranked College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (28-6 overall, 9-2 MIAC ) defeated Wisconsin-Eau Claire (24-12 overall, 7-1 MIAC) in a well fought contest 3-1, by scores of 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 and 28-26.  CSB now advances to the regional final.

The Blugolds claimed victory in the first set by slowing down a rally by the Blazers.  UWEC held a 23-18 lead but escaped a 5-2 run by CSB to take the match lead.
Saint Benedict were able to battle back in the next two sets to take a 2-1 match lead, highlighted by a balanced attack by their outside hitters, junior Emma Jaynes (Hibbing, MN, Hibbing) and first-year Chelsie Sobieck (Wyoming, MN, Forrest Lake).

In the fourth and final set the Blazers jumped to a 23-19 lead, but the Blugolds fought back for a 5-1 run to tie the set at 24.  The two competitors traded off points until CSB maintained possession and finally claimed victory.  Saint Benedict was led by Jaynes (15 kills, 25 digs), Sobieck (10 kills, 23 digs) and junior setter Beth Hanson (Fairbault, MN, Bethlehem Academy) (53 assists, 10 digs and three blocks).  Katie Fox (21 kills) and Emily Haese (49 assists, 18 digs) paved the way for UWEC.

Saint Benedict faces Concordia in the NCAA regional final on Saturday, November 15th at 7 p.m. in St. Paul, MN.  The winner of the regional final advances to the national semifinals in Bloomington, Illinois next weekend.

For the box score, click here.

For more regional coverage of the NCAA tournament, click here.