WINONA, Minn. - To open the Sugar Loaf Classic, the Saint Mary's volleyball team took on the Wheaton Thunder, who remains undefeated with a perfect 5-0 overall record, and fell 0-3.

Brenna Bruchert led the offensive charge for the Cardinals with 11 kills and added an ace, contributing to her team-high 12.0 points. Kinlee Grattan facilitated the attack with 21 assists and supported the defense with six digs. Maddie Baker was a force at the net, recording four total blocks, including one solo block, and adding 3.5 points. Ayla Olson added depth with seven kills and three block assists, finishing the contest with 8.5 points.

Saint Mary's faced a challenging first set against Wheaton, trailing early with a 3-0 deficit following a bad set and an attack error. Wheaton capitalized on Saint Mary's errors and built their lead to 6-1, highlighted by a kill from Ashton Major off Lacey Higgins' assist. The Cardinals attempted to rally with successive kills by Bruchert and Baker, narrowing the margin to 9-8, but Wheaton maintained their edge. Despite a service ace from Paige Klug that brought Saint Mary's within striking distance at 21-18, Wheaton responded with a service ace and a strong finish, clinching the set 25-19 with a final kill by Jordan Benford.

In the second set, Saint Mary's initially took the lead with a series of successful plays, including a kill by Bruchert and a block by Klug and Olson, reaching a 3-0 advantage. Wheaton responded, tying the score at 13-13 with points from Paris Griffin and Major. The set remained competitive, with both teams exchanging points, highlighted by a service ace from Bruchert and a kill by Benford for Wheaton. Even a late push by the Cardinals, highlighted by a kill from Bruchert, Wheaton capitalized on attack errors by Saint Mary's to secure the set 25-22, drawing the match level.

Wheaton secured a decisive 25-13 third-set victory over Saint Mary's with a commanding performance. The set began with a service error from Emma Rommes, giving Wheaton an early 1-0 lead. Wheaton's Benford and Katherine Adkison contributed to an early 5-1 lead with kills assisted by Higgins. The Cardinals attempted a comeback with consecutive kills by Ayla Olson and Kali Olson, narrowing the score to 12-11. However, an impressive stretch for Wheaton saw them go on an 8-0 run, highlighted by Benford and Major's consistent scoring, extending their lead to 20-11. Wheaton closed out the set with a final kill by Benford, assisted by Higgins, to secure the win.

The Cardinals are back in action tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to continue the Sugar Loaf Classic against Buena Vista.