The College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (26-6 overall, 9-2 MIAC) lost in a five set thriller to Saint Mary's (18-12 overall, 5-6 MIAC), 25-13, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 13-15.  The loss eliminates CSB from the MIAC postseason tournament.

    The Blazers started off the night with a bang in a dominating set, winning by 12 points.  But the Cardinals did not falter by battling Saint Benedict point for point, eventually evening the match at 1-1.  Set three was another back and forth battle, but when Saint Mary's controlled possession, they were able to produce long rallies.  This held true the entire match, and especially helped them nip CSB in the third set.

    Down 1-2 in the match, the Blazers started off strong with a 20-14 lead.  They kept that pace up and evened the match up at two.  In the final set, the two MIAC competitors battled back and forth yet again, locking the score at 7-7.  The Cardinals rode an 8-2 run during the set to claim a 12-8 lead.  Saint Benedict battle back, though, and tied the score at 13.  But Saint Mary's persevered and took the final two points, pulling off the upset against CSB.

    CSB was led by first-year hitter Chelsie Sobieck (Wyoming, MN, Forrest Lake) (23 kills, 18 digs), junior setter Beth Hanson (Fairbault, MN, Bethlehem Academy) (49 assists, 20 digs), junior hitter Emma Jaynes (Hibbing, MN, Hibbing) (11 kills, 19 digs) and junior libero Andrea Millerbernd (Littlefork, MN, Littlefork-Big Falls) (24 digs).  Sophomore right side hitter Kayli Schumacher (East Grand Forks, MN, Sacred Heart) also added 10 kills and five blocks for the Blazers.
Saint Benedict now await to see if they advance to the NCAA Division III Tournament.  Teams will be announced on Monday, November 10th.

CSB-SMU Box Score