Notables
-Emily Jansen (Long Prairie, Minn./Long Prairie-Grey Eagle HS) recorded 22 assists in the three sets.
-Saints scored 15 straight points in the second set.
-CSS closes to within one game of second place, trailing Morris as they head into the final weekend.
ASHLAND, Wis. (csssaints.com) – The College of St. Scholastica volleyball team crossed the border Wednesday night to take on Northland College in hopes of a third straight conference win. Using the momentum from the previous two wins, the CSS volleyball team cruised past Northland with a 3-0 sweep.
The Saints took charge early in the match against the Lumberjills, taking an early 11-3 lead in the first set before Northland was forced to take a timeout. St. Scholastica continued to dominate after the timeout, with Danielle Benusa (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee HS) recording two aces and setting up Tannyr Heyl (Ham Lake, Minn./Blaine HS (Saint Benedict)) for the final point of the first set, ending it at 25-10.
The second set proved to be the same as the first. Although the Saints struggled early and found themselves down 5-2 early in the set, they clawed back and evened it up at six. After that, CSS scored 15 straight points to pull away from the Lumberjills and end the second set 25-10 as well. Kariana DeYoung (Deer River, Minn./Deer River HS) did most of the damage in the second set for the Saints, recording four kills.
The third and final set of the match was a bit closer, but the Saints still managed to win it by double digits with a final score of 25-14. The set never really seemed to be in Northland's favor, as for every point they scored the Saints would answer with two of their own. Christaia Houser (Esko, Minn./Homeschool) totaled five kills in the third set, while teammate Noelle Elvehjem (Mora, Minn./Mora HS) added four of her own.
St. Scholastica was led to victory on the night thanks to Kariana DeYoung (Deer River, Minn./Deer River HS)'s team-high seven kills and Emily Jansen (Long Prairie, Minn./Long Prairie-Grey Eagle HS)'s 22 assists. Danielle Benusa (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee HS) was the defensive spark for the Saints with 12 digs on the night.
Northland College was led by Cassie Baumgarten (five kills, eight digs) and Kelsey Bodart (12 assists).
With the win, the Saints are now 9-3 in UMAC play and 15-12 overall. They will be looking to close out the regular season at home against Minnesota Morris and Crown College Friday night and Saturday afternoon. With the win against Morris, St. Scholastica could potentially tie for second place if they can close out the season against Crown.
