RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (11-4) wrapped up a competitive weekend with a 2-1 record, including a MIAC win over Macalester on Friday and a 1-1 split at the UW-River Falls Quad on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Bennies swept host UW-River Falls (9-9) before falling in three close sets to No. 3-ranked UW-Oshkosh (18-2).
Next up, Saint Ben's travels to face St. Scholastica in a MIAC matchup on Oct. 10 before returning home to host St. Catherine also in conference play on Youth Day, Oct. 11 at Claire Lynch Hall.
Saint Benedict 3, UW-River Falls 0 (26-24, 26-24, 25-19)
CSB opened the day with a straight-set win over the Falcons, pulling out two tight sets before sealing the match with a strong finish.
Kali Jones led the Bennies with nine kills, 13 digs, and two service aces.
Keira McManus added eight kills on 18 swings, hitting an impressive .412.
Brooke Siegle chipped in seven kills and 10 digs.
Chaeli Haupert recorded a team-high 18 digs and two service aces
The Bennies took the opening set 26-24 behind eight team kills and strong late-set play in a set that featured six ties and five lead changes. In the second set, CSB staged an impressive comeback after trailing, 21-12, rallying to win another 26-24 decision. The Bennies tallied 13 kills in the frame while hitting .164. They closed out the match with a 25-19 win in the third, hitting a scorching .393 with 13 kills on just 28 swings.
Overall, CSB totaled 34 kills, 32 assists, 62 digs, eight service aces, and nine total blocks.
No. 3 UW-Oshkosh 3, Saint Benedict 0 (25-18, 25-23, 28-26)
Despite the sweep, the Bennies put up a strong fight against the nationally ranked Titans, pushing the final two sets down to the wire.
Brooke Siegle once again led the attack with nine kills and seven digs.
Kali Jones added eight kills, 13 digs, and a service ace.
Brooke Andries and
Mackenzie Knofczynski each contributed seven kills.
McKenna Moehrle posted a team-best four blocks.
CSB had 15 kills in the first set but fell 25-18, with UW-Oshkosh hitting .258. The second set was tightly contested with six ties and a single lead change, but the Bennies came up just short, 25-23, despite hitting .229. In the final frame, CSB led 26-25 before the Titans closed it out 28-26 behind 19 kills.
For the game vs the Titans, CSB finished with 40 kills, 37 assists, 49 digs, and six blocks—showing their ability to hang tough with one of the top teams in the country.
