SAINT PETER, Minn. – Against one of the top teams in the country, St. Scholastica opened strong with a first-set win and pushed nationally ranked Gustavus throughout the night, ultimately falling 3–1 (25–22, 13–25, 23–25, 18–25) on Friday at Gus Young Court.
The Saints came out sharp in the opening frame, taking control late and earning a 25–22 win behind six early kills from
Ava Decker (Rochester, MN/Century HS) and four more from
Abby Zins (Chisago Lakes, MN/Chisago Lakes High School).
Gustavus answered in the second set to even the match, but St. Scholastica responded with one of its best stretches of the night in a back-and-forth third set. The Saints held an 18–17 lead before the Gusties closed on a late run to take the set 25–23. The fourth followed a similar pattern—competitive throughout, but Gustavus finished strong to seal the match.
Decker led all hitters with 17 kills, while Zins added 12. Setter
Natalie Yackley (New Ulm, MN/New Ulm HS) finished with 43 assists, six digs, and an ace.
Cassidy Lustig (Ashland, WI/Ashland HS) anchored the Saints' defense with 16 digs, and
Lindsey Baribeau (Biwabik, MN/Mesabi East HS) contributed seven kills and three blocks at the net.
St. Scholastica totaled 46 kills, 55 digs, and seven service aces as a team, including two each from Decker and Lustig.
St. Scholastica moves to 13–12 overall and 4–5 in MIAC play. The Saints remain on the road Saturday, traveling to face Hamline at 3:00 p.m.
