WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University volleyball (10-13, 3-4) team battled hard Wednesday evening in their Dig Pink match, but visiting Wartburg (15-9, 4-3)  came away with a 3-1 win inside David R. Thies Arena, taking the final nonconference game of the season.

The Cardinals tallied 36 kills on the night, while the Knights used a strong serving performance, totaling nine aces, to secure the victory.

Devann Clemens paced the Cardinals with 25 assists and 16 digs, showing her versatility on both sides of the ball. Brenna Bruchert added 11 kills, an ace, and two blocks, while Kali Olson chipped in seven kills and four total blocks. 

Saint Mary's came out strong in the opening set, trading points early before using a string of kills from Olson, Bruchert, and Clemens-assisted attacks to take a 12-7 lead. Wartburg, however, answered with a key run to pull ahead and narrowly claimed the first set, 25-23.

The Knights carried that momentum into the second frame, jumping ahead early and keeping control to earn a 25-12 win.

Refusing to go quietly, the Cardinals responded in the third set with renewed energy. Bruchert and Maddie Baker delivered timely kills, while Clemens continued to set the tempo. Grace King added a big swing late to help Saint Mary's close out the set 25-19 and stay alive in the match.

In the fourth, Saint Mary's grabbed an early lead behind kills from Olson and Bruchert, but Wartburg answered with a strong stretch midway through to retake control. The Cardinals fought back to even things at 11-all, yet the Knights pulled away late to clinch the 25-19 set and the match victory.

The Cardinals now turn their attention to two big home matchups to close out the week. Saint Mary's will host St. Olaf on Friday at 7 p.m., before returning to the court Saturday, November 1, for another 7 p.m. matchup against Bethel, where they'll celebrate Senior Night.