WINONA, Minn. — On a night dedicated to celebrating their seniors, the Saint Mary's volleyball (11-14, 4-5) team gave fans a match to remember, battling past Bethel (13-9, 6-3) in a five-set thriller Saturday evening.

The Cardinals came up clutch when it mattered most, rallying in the decisive fifth set to cap off a dramatic win and keep their momentum rolling in MIAC play.

Brenna Bruchert powered the offense with 22 kills and 23 points, while Kali Olson turned in a standout performance with 16 kills, a .394 hitting percentage, and three service aces. 

Kinlee Grattan ran a balanced attack with 27 assists and 22 digs, and Ayla Olson anchored the defense with 20 digs and added a pair of aces.

After splitting the first two sets, Saint Mary's dug deep in the third, edging Bethel 26-24 thanks to clutch plays from Bruchert and K. Olson. The Royals answered with a dominant fourth, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set.

In the final frame, the Cardinals trailed early but refused to back down. 

With key blocks from A. Olson and Maddie Baker, and late kills from Bruchert and Olson, Saint Mary's surged ahead. Fittingly, it was an A. Olson's kill, assisted by Devann Clemens, that sealed the 17-15 victory and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Behind the emotion of Senior Night, the Cardinals have been playing some of their best volleyball! 

The Cardinals will hit the road the remaining two games of the regular season traveling to ranked Gustavus on Wednesday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m.