Match Summary | GameDay Preview

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University volleyball team got just what they needed Saturday afternoon — a convincing, 3-0 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory over Hamline.

And it was an unsung hero who led the way for the Cardinals, as freshman Megan Schulz (Andover, Minn.) — filling in at libero for injured Tara Rasmussen (Kasson, Minn.) — made her first collegiate start a memorable one with 11 digs in sparking the SMU victory.

And earning the praise of head coach Mike Lester.

“Megan was really, really solid,” Lester said. “She stepped into that starting libero role and was so consistent all match — she did a great job giving this team the spark that they needed.”

The Cardinals were in control from start to finish, winning the first set 25-17 and the second 25-18, before completing their seventh sweep of the season with a 25-23 win in the third set.

“We did a lot of things very well today,” said Lester. “The first two sets we were very solid — we played at that high level we are capable of playing, and that was really nice to see.”

SMU's Kara Grant (Peosta, Iowa) posted a match-high 19 kills, while adding four aces and 11 digs. Mary Nordick (Plymouth, Minn.) chipped in nine kills, four blocks and hit .381, with Lexi Assimos (Northbrook, Ill.) dishing out 35 assists and tallying 14 digs.

The Cardinals, who improved to 2-7 in the MIAC and 16-13 overall, return to action Wednesday, traveling to Northfield, Minn., for a 7:30 conference match against Carleton.