RIPON, Wis. - It was an ideal start to the season for the Saint Mary's volleyball team (2-0), which opened the season in tournament play in Ripon, Wisconsin with a 3-0 sweep of the host school Ripon (1-1), followed by a thrilling five-set victory over UW-Superior (1-0) to secure a perfect 2-0 start to the 2025 campaign.

SMU 3, UWS 2

Brenna Bruchert led the Cardinals with a standout performance in blocking, recording three solo blocks and two block assists for a total of five blocks for a career high. Lindsey Rossow contributed significantly in defense with a team-high 30 digs. Kinlee Gratton set her team up for success with a career best 26 assists!

The Olson sisters went hand in hand when it came to putting the ball down. In her Cardinal debut, Ayla Olson showed efficiency in her attacks, posting a team best 12 kills. Kali Olson tallied 11 kills and added four blocks to her all-around performance.

The Cardinals opened with a 3-0 lead thanks to a service ace by Grattan and a kill by Paige Klug. The Yellowjackets responded with a series of plays, briefly tying the score at 9-9. Despite this small run, the Cardinals regained momentum, with Devann Clemens contributing crucial assists that helped maintain a slim advantage. Near the set's conclusion, a series of errors by the Yellowjackets and successful blocks by Maddie Baker and Grace King allowed the Cardinals to pull away, securing a 25-21 victory.

In the second set, Superior began with a strong 3-0 lead. The Cardinals responded with A. Olson securing two consecutive kills to close the gap. However, the Yellowjackets extended their lead to 12-5 after a few mental mistakes. The Cardinals rallied back, narrowing the deficit to 18-17 thanks in part to a service ace from Rommes and a series of attack errors by the Yellowjackets. Despite the comeback attempt, the Yellowjackets pulled away in the final moments, securing the set 25-19.

In the third set, the Cardinals secured a 25-23 victory over the Yellowjackets with a significant run early in the set. After falling behind 2-0, the Cardinals responded with a seven-point streak, highlighted by kills from Klug and King, to take a 6-2 lead. Bruchert and K. Olson contributed crucial kills toward the end of the set, and Klug's final kill sealed the win for the Cardinals at 25-23.

During the fourth set, Wisconsin-Superior started strong with a kill, gaining an early lead. The Cardinals responded but struggled to maintain momentum, with several attack errors and service aces by the Yellowjackets contributing to their deficit. A notable moment occurred when Emma Rommes served consecutive aces, bringing the game to a tie at 12-12, but the Yellowjackets quickly regained control with consistent scoring and closed out the set 25-19.

In the crucial fifth set, the Cardinals emerged strong, taking an early 4-3 lead over the Yellowjackets with key plays such as A. Olson's kill assisted by Grattan. A series of errors from the Yellowjackets allowed the Cardinals to extend their lead to 9-6, capped by consecutive. The Cardinals finished the set and clinched the season's first win with a 15-9 victory, highlighted by K. Olson's decisive kill.

SMU 3, RC 0

K. Olson led game two with a standout defensive performance, recording nine total blocks for a career best and contributing eight kills. Bruchert added offensive support with a team best nine kills. King contributed eight kills and was effective from the service line with two aces. 

A. Olson was versatile on the court, delivering six kills, four total blocks, and six digs. Claire Rahman, making her Cardinal debut, showcased her serving skill, leading with three service aces and adding eight digs.

The Cardinals began the first set with a strong start, propelled by Bruchert's three early kills and an ace from A. Olson, quickly establishing a 6-1 lead. The team continued their momentum with strategic plays, including a block by Maddie Baker and A. Olson, and another service ace from Rahman, extending their advantage to 17-5. Despite a brief comeback attempt from Ripon College, the Cardinals maintained control and clinched the set with a decisive 25-14 victory, highlighted by Brianna Hanneken's kill and Rommes service ace.

The Cardinals began the second set with another strong start, highlighted by Rahman's back-to-back service aces, giving the team an early 3-0 advantage. Rossow continued the momentum with a service ace and a kill from Bruchert, pushing the score to 7-2. The second set ended with a 25-17 finish for the Cardinals.

Saint Mary's opened the third set with an impressive 3-0 run, highlighted by Baker's initial kill and a combined block by the sister duo. The team maintained momentum with key plays from King, who contributed with multiple kills, including one that tied the game at 15 before sparking a critical scoring streak. The set concluded with Saint Mary's securing victory at 25-22, thanks to consecutive service aces by King that clinched the match.

The Cardinals will get some rest before hitting the court again tomorrow to round out the Ripon Tournament. They will take on Aurora at noon before taking on Martin Luther at 2:00 p.m.