St, Joseph, Minn. - The No. 10 Saint Benedict volleyball team finished its nonconference schedule undefeated with a convincing 3-0 win over Luther today (Oct. 12) in Claire Lynch Hall. The Blazers (19-2) are the only MIAC team not to lose a nonconference game this season.
 
With tonight's win, the Blazers pick up their fifth straight victory since their second loss of the season to St. Thomas in early October. The Blazer offense was led by junior Sophie Stangl (Buffalo, Minn.) and sophomore Mary Franz (Brookfield, Colo.). Stangl and Franz compiled 17 of the Blazers 34 kills tonight hitting .462 and .714 respectively.
 
Saint Benedict's defense came alive in the second set, holding the Norse to a .160 hitting percentage and then a .051 in the third. Senior outside hitter Lexi Alm (Forest Lake, Minn.) notched five service aces to give her a season total of 38. Alm leads the Blazers in service aces and is currently ranked second in the MIAC, just five behind Macalester's Laura Avena.
 
Alm and junior Lexi Rinde (Minnetonka, Minn.) combined for 14 of the Blazers other 17 kills, hitting five and nine respectively. Rinde saw her streak of double-digit totals come to an end at four - one game shy of a season-high - but did move closer to the 1,000 mark, now with 931 in her career. Alm, now has 1,197 in her career, and closes within 36 of sixth place all-time, a spot she could reach potentially reach by the end of their three-game home stand next Saturday.
 
With tonight's win, the Blazers reach 19 for the second straight season, while Coach Hess' reaches the mark for the third time in her career.
 
Saint Benedict returns to action at 7 p.m. on October 16 when they host conference opponent St. Olaf. The Oles are 1-5 in conference play.