Box Score

Duluth, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica volleyball team hosted the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University, a MIAC Conference opponent, today, Saturday, October 4. Today's conference match ended with the Saints taking a 3-2 comeback victory over the Cardinals after five exciting sets.

How it Happened

Set 1
The Saints took some time to settle in as the Cardinals jumped ahead early behind strong hitting from their front line. Despite early kills from Lindsey Baribeau (Biwabik, MN/Mesabi East HS) and Cassidy Lustig (Ashland, WI/Ashland HS), the Saints couldn't quite find their rhythm in the opener, dropping the first set 25–17. But from the sideline to the court, the energy stayed high.

Set 2
The Saints regrouped quickly and stormed back in the second set. Ava Decker (Rochester, MN/Century HS) sparked the comeback with a sharp kill to open the frame, while Baribeau and Mikala Peterson (Mora, MN/Mora HS) took control at the net with powerful swings. Setter Natalie Yackley (New Ulm, MN/New Ulm HS) directed the offense with precision, dishing out 33 assists on the day, while Ava Swangstue (Grand Forks, N.D./Red River HS) and Abby Zins (Chisago Lakes, MN/Chisago Lakes High School) made key contributions both at the net and from the service line. A late service ace from Decker sealed the 25–19 win, evening the match at a set apiece.

Set 3
The third set turned into a back-and-forth battle. Baribeau continued to find success on the outside, and Lustig chipped in with key kills to keep the Saints within striking distance. The defense, anchored by Bryn Ziegler (Hutchinson, MN/Hutchinson HS) and Lauren Kahl (Ridgeland, WI/Prairie Farm HS), held firm against Saint Mary's attacks. Though the Cardinals edged the set 25–22, the Saints' steady play and improved efficiency hinted that momentum was swinging their way.

Set 4
With the match on the line, the Saints showed tremendous poise in the fourth. Every rally was a fight, featuring 12 ties and several lead changes. Yackley kept the offense balanced, finding Baribeau, Lustig, and Swangstue for key kills down the stretch. Lilli Rechichi (Ely, MN/Ely Memorial HS) added an important spark off the bench, and Decker's serving helped shift momentum late. Facing set point, the Saints refused to fold — battling back for a dramatic 27–25 win to force a decisive fifth set.

Set 5
With the home crowd behind them, the Saints carried their momentum into the tiebreaker. Rechichi, Baribeau, and Lustig each delivered timely kills, while Yackley's leadership kept the team composed. Freshman Tayte Borstad (Duluth, MN/Duluth East HS) provided a lift with a pair of huge swings in the middle of the set, and Kahl's steady serving helped the Saints stay in control. As the tension rose, Swangstue put the exclamation point on the match with a match-winning kill to clinch the 15–11 victory.

What's Next
The Saints (10-7, 3-1 MIAC) will take to the road headed to Menomonie, Wis. to play the Blue Devils (13-5). The Saints' next match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7 at 7 P.M.
 

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