NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Sophomore middle blocker
McKenna Moehrle recorded a career-high 18 kills with an impressive hitting percentage of .517, leading the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (9-11, 5-3 MIAC) to a 3-1 victory over Carleton College (12-11, 3-6 MIAC) in a crucial MIAC road match.
This victory by scores of 25-18, 24-26, 25-13, 25-18 solidified the Bennies' fifth place in the MIAC standings, improving their record to 5-3 in the conference and 9-11 overall. It marked their sixth win in the last eight matches, with a matchup against Concordia-Moorhead scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Moerhle's remarkable performance included 18 kills on 29 attempts, making it her 13th game with double-digit kills, along with three total blocks. She was joined by teammates
Kali Jones and
Audrey Spolidoro, who also delivered stellar performances.
Jones recorded her 20th career double-double with 14 kills (hitting .316) and 15 digs, contributing two of the team's 11 service aces. Spolidoro achieved her 52nd career double-double with 46 assists and 12 digs, also adding a kill and three service aces. Sophomore
Brooke Andries added nine kills with a .350 hitting percentage, while
Kate Stadum contributed eight kills.
As a team, CSB hit .254 with a total of 56 kills on 142 attempts, committing only 20 errors. They also recorded 49 assists and 62 digs, along with five total team blocks.
In the first set, the Bennies took control early, winning 25-18 while hitting .394 with 18 kills on 33 attempts and just five errors. Moerhle stood out with a perfect 7-for-7 in kills, while Jones hit .500 with six kills on 10 attempts. CSB also tallied four service aces, two from
Ingrid Noha.
The second set saw Carleton even the match at 1-1, as they hit .250 and capitalized on CSB's lower hitting percentage of .100. After a back-and-forth battle, Carleton secured the set 26-24, ending with three consecutive points.
CSB rebounded strongly in the third set, dominating with a 25-13 win and hitting .300 with 12 kills on 30 attempts and only three errors. They established an early lead and extended it with consistent scoring and solid defense.
In the decisive fourth set, CSB maintained their momentum, hitting .303 with 14 kills on 33 attempts and just four errors. They jumped to a quick 9-1 lead, with key contributions from Jones and Stadum. Despite a late push from Carleton, the Bennies closed out the match with a final score of 25-18.
Overall, the match showcased a strong collective effort from the Bennies, highlighted by Moerhle's exceptional performance and crucial contributions from her teammates, setting the stage for their upcoming road contest against Concordia-Moorhead on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
