Match Summary / Photo Gallery / Video Highlights / GameDay Preview

WINONA, Minn. — In a match that rewarded a high amount of digs, it would have been beneficial for Friday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference volleyball match between Saint Mary's University and Macalester to go the maximum five sets.

The Cardinals, however, had other ideas, as they stormed past the Scots on Dig Pink Night in three straight sets, 25-15, 28-26, 25-19, at the SMU Gym.

“We played solid,” said SMU coach Mike Lester. “We knew that we'd need to get a good start against Macalester, and that's what we did in the first set.”

The Cardinals took the lead in the first set and never looked back. An 11-2 run by SMU fueled the quick 25-15 victory.

Macalester surged back in the second set, threatening the Cardinals immediately. They took their first lead of the match early on and used their momentum to go on an 11-4 run. Coming right down to the wire, SMU squeaked out the win by a 28-26 margin.

Saint Mary's locked up the match win with a 25-19 third set, including a 9-1 run that was sparked by several bench players.

“The players that come off our bench practice so hard,” said Lester. “Their objective is to get ready for a match situation. Players like Erika Hurley (Chatfield, Minn.), Emily Welhaven (Rochester, Minn.) and Cathy Rennie (Pine Island, Minn.) were ready to contribute — and they did.”

Sarah Gardner (Rochester, Minn.) and Jessica Mate (St. Charles, Ill.) led the Cardinals' offensive attack with 18 and 13 kills, respectively. Carissa Hahn (Hutchinson, Minn.) also enjoyed a successful night, as the sophomore led the team in digs (12) and aces (3).

Designed to honor breast cancer survivors and to raise money for the cause, SMU's Dig Pink Night was the brainchild of former player Jessica Larson and continues to live on after her graduation.

“A lot of credit goes to Jess Larson,” said SMU coach Mike Lester, referring to his graduated player that played a crucial role in last season's impressive postseason run. “She spearheaded it last year and we continued it this year.

“The credit definitely goes to the kids, they made the signs and collected the pledges. It's an example of what we're about, and what we're trying to bring to Saint Mary's.”

With Friday's win, the Cardinals (19-8, 5-3 MIAC) are in good position for one of the six MIAC Tournament berths. SMU will play two of the four teams battling for the final two tourney spots — Bethel and St. Catherine — before the regular season is over.

“Bethel and St. Kate's are only one game behind,” said Lester, whose team is back in action Saturday afternoon, playing host to Bethel at 3 p.m. at the SMU Gym. “When we square off against them, we've got to play some great matches. We've got to take care of business to lock up that playoff spot.”