Bloomington, Illinois - The College of Saint Benedict Blazer volleyball team (29-7) fell in a back-and-forth match to Emory (33-6) in four sets in the NCAA Quarterfinals, 16-25, 25-16, 14-25, and 20-25.  The loss ends Saint Benedict's season after an exciting run to the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Blazers couldn't find a solid rhythm during the first set and fell behind early.  CSB was never able to catch up to the Eagles as they only hit 40% to Emory's 60%, and eventually dropped the opening set.  The momentum shifted quickly, though, as the Blazers found new life in the second set.  The two teams traded points at the beginning of the set, but the Blazers were able to string together two five point runs that sparked a match tie at 1-1.

The Eagles came out swinging in the third set and Saint Benedict found difficulty in countering their opponent's attack.  CSB wasn't able to create substantial rallies, which allowed the Eagles to take a 2-1 match lead.  In the fourth and final set, Emory jumped to another quick lead, but the Blazers did not falter and narrowed the lead late in the set.  Ultimately, the Eagles took advantage of a few attack errors by CSB and won the set.

Saint Benedict was led by junior hitter Emma Jaynes (Hibbing, MN, Hibbing) (11 kills, 13 digs), junior setter Beth Hanson (Fairbault, MN, Bethlehem Academy) (32 assists, nine kills), and sophomore middle blocker Calleigh Brown (Buffalo, MN, Buffalo) (10 kills).  Junior libero Andrea Millerbernd (Littlefork, MN, Littlefork-Big Falls) led the team in digs with 15.  The Eagles received strong performances from Amelia McCall (17 kills), Natalie Schoenfeld (38 assists) and Brannan O' Neill (17 digs).

Emory faces the winner of Williams and Ohio Northern on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m. at Illinois Wesleyan University.