DULUTH, Minn. — In a hard-fought five-set thriller at Reif Gymnasium, St. Scholastica (10-7, 3-1 MIAC) pulled away late to edge the Saint Mary's volleyball team (8-9, 1-1 MIAC) 3-2.

Despite the loss, the Cardinals set a new school record with 24 total assist blocks, surpassing the previous mark that had stood since the 2011 season at 23!

Saint Mary's opened the first set with a decisive performance, quickly establishing a lead through a series of Saints errors. Ayla Olson and Paige Klug contributed early kills to put Saint Mary's ahead 4-1. The team capitalized on St. Scholastica's setting errors to extend the margin to 9-2, maintaining control through the middle of the set.

The Saints rallied to close the gap to 10-9, but the Cardinals responded by regaining momentum with back-to-back kills from Brenna Bruchert. As the set progressed, the Cardinals continued to pressure the home team, utilizing blocks from Maddie Baker and A. Olson extended the lead and took set one 25-17, powered by consistent offensive execution and defensive stops.

In the second set, the Cardinals kept pace with St. Scholastica through early exchanges, highlighted by kills from the Olson sisters, both assisted by Kinlee Grattan. However the Saints gained momentum and capitalized on errors and consistent scoring from their side to secure the set 25-19, leaving the Cardinals looking to adjust in the subsequent set.

The Cardinals opened the third set with momentum, capitalizing on early errors by the Saints to take a 2-0 lead. A well-timed block by Kali Olson extended their advantage to 4-2. 

The Saints rallied to tie the score at 10-10, but the Cardinals quickly responded with a block by Baker and A. Olson, regaining a 12-11 lead.

The Cardinals pulled ahead with a late 4-point run, punctuated by a kill from A. Olson and a bad set by the Saints, closing the set 25-22. The win in the third set extended their lead in the match.

The Cardinals and the Saints entered the fourth set in a closely contested match. The Cardinals gained early momentum with a kill from A. Olson, setting the tone for a back-and-forth exchange. The Cardinals continued to press with key points from K. Olson and Bruchert, tying the score multiple times throughout the set.

Saint Mary's clawed back from a three-point hole, cutting the deficit to 20-19 behind key plays from Klug and K. Olson. A late rally fueled by errors and a clutch kill from Bruchert brought the score even at 24-24. 

But in the final moments, the Saints capitalized on critical chances to edge out the set 27-25.

The fifth set began with a pivotal momentum shift as the Cardinals quickly responded to the Saints early 2-0 advantage. The Olson's combined for a crucial block that initiated a brief comeback, closing the gap to 6-6 after a series of effective plays, including a kill by Bruchert.

Despite the efforts of the Cardinals, including another kill by Bruchert and a service ace from Grattan, the Saints regained control with a series of scoring plays, extending their lead to 14-8. The Cardinals continued to fight back, narrowing the deficit to 14-11 with a service ace from Grattan, but the Saints ultimately secured the set with a final kill, concluding it at 15-11.

K. Olson led the team with 19.0 points, recording nine total blocks, her season best, and adding 11 kills over five sets. A. Olson contributed significantly with 18.5 points, tallying 14 kills and nine total blocks, alongside 16 digs which was her season best. 

Grattan recorded a career-high 28 assists, but it wasn't enough as the Cardinals suffered their first conference loss of the season.

After nearly a month on the road, the Cardinals are back home on October 7 for a 6:00 p.m. matchup against Concordia — their first home game since September 6.