ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After a successful home tournament and a solid start to the 2018 season, the College of Saint Benedict kicks off MIAC play this Wednesday, Sept. 12, when it hosts St. Kate's. The team's first conference match of the season is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall.
 
About the Wildcats
St. Kate's is off to a solid start in 2018 as it is 4-1 overall and went 3-1 over the weekend at the Northland College Tournament. All four of the Wildcats' wins have come by sweep, and their lone loss went to five sets. Mackenzie Peper leads the team with 37 kills and Grace Amacher has a team-high 67 digs. Brooke Beuning (87 assists) and Meagan Schwarzrock (46 assists) have split time at setter so far this season for St. Kate's.
 
Last Meeting
CSB won last year's MIAC match 3-1 in St. Paul. The Wildcats took a hard-fought first set, 26-24, but Saint Benedict cruised in Set 2, 25-10, then pulled away with 25-18 and 25-22 wins. Liz Schultz and Lauren Mathews each had 13 kills, Haley LaValle had 22 digs and Hunter Weiss and Madison Weiss each had three blocks.
 
The Storyline
Both Saint Benedict and the Wildcats have had successful nonconference seasons so far, and both look to carry that success into MIAC play. CSB also looks to wrap up a six-game homestand on a high note as it heads into another weekend tournament on the road.
 
Who to Watch
Sophomores Hunter and Madison Weiss have been key for CSB at the net both on the attack and on defense. Hunter is second and Madison third in the MIAC in kills, and Madison is first and Hunter second in the league in total blocks. Katie Koch leads the MIAC with 313 assists, and junior libero Haley LaValle is second with 166 digs. First-year hitter Claire Westby has also had a solid collegiate debut, and she is fourth on the team with 53 kills.