Live Stats/Video | MIAC Championship Site

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Wednesday marks the first game of the MIAC tournament for the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team as it takes on third-seeded Hamline on the road in Saint Paul beginning at 7 p.m. After a hard-fought regular season push, the No. 6 Bennies are looking to continue their year in the post season, starting with this first quarterfinal game against Hamline.  
 
This is unfamiliar territory for the Bennies as it marks the first time since 2011 that CSB isn't a top-three seed in the league's postseason tournament. Saint Benedict won the 2017 MIAC Tournament title thanks to a five-set win at St. Thomas.
 
Live stats and video are available here for the match. Per Hamline policy, fans are required to masked in the gym at all times.
 
About the Pipers 
Hamline ended the regular season with a 19-7 overall record, and 9-2 conference record to land them a No. 3 seed in its first MIAC tournament appearance since 2013. The Pipers ended their regular season with a 3-2 loss to co-MIAC champ Bethel. Sydney Larson leads the Pipers' offense with 355 kills and helping her on the front line is Megan Rubbelke with a total of 942 assists. The Rubbelke sisters were a force to be reckoned with on the court all season. Jenna Rubbelke leads the defense with 461 digs and sister Megan is right behind her with 277 digs. Both Rubbelke sisters combined for a total of 97 service aces on the season. Rachel Rettmann held the frontline for the Pipers with 72 blocks. 
 
Last Meeting 
The Bennies and the Pipers opened MIAC play against each other earlier this season on September 22, and now begin MIAC tournament play in similar fashion. Hamline came away with the victory over CSB 3-1 after some incredibly close sets. Gabby Heying had 14 kills and Payton Marker had 29 assists to lead CSB's offense in that match in St. Joseph, Mary Wenisch finished with a career-best 30 digs.  
 
The Storyline 
The Bennies' big win over St. Kate's last Friday secured their No. 6 spot in the MIAC tournament and extended their season for a MIAC record 20^th conference tournament appearance. The young CSB team struggled early on against some tough nationally ranked opponents and was put to the test against the MIAC pool as the season progressed. However, their grit and determination as a team helped push them to a tournament berth.  
 
Who To Watch 
Gabby Heying continues to lead the way offensively for the Bennies with 267 total kills. Audrey Spolidoro continues to be the support up front with 476 assists. Mary Wenisch leads the defense with 356 digs. Madelyn Gregory leads the team in blocks with 37, but Grace Holm has moved up the leader board near the end of the season and is now behind her with 17 total blocks.