MENOMONIE, Wis. – On Wednesday evening, Kali Olson rewrote the record books as the Saint Mary's volleyball team (9-9, 0-2) took down the UW-Stout Blue Devils (12-7, 0-2) in a five-set thriller to start the week. Olson officially is the program's all-time solo block leader, surpassing Melinda Juran (1987-90) previous record of 123 career solo blocks.Â
The middle hitter has had herself a senior season after also celebrating 1,000 career kills. The celebration could not have come at a better time, as the team needed the win as it snapped a six-game slump.
SMU 3, UWS 2
The Cardinals played remarkable defense in the opening sets.Â
Kills from Brianna Hanneken and Kali Olson extended the Cardinals' early lead to 6-3, which turned into a seven-point run for the Blue Devils. But it did not keep the Cardinals out. Service errors piled up and allowed the Cardinals to creep back in, taking set one, 26-24.
A kill and an ace by Ayla Olson fueled a solid start in set two, jumping ahead 10-5. The offensive wealth was spread amongst the team. Maddie Baker, Ava Berg, Ayla and Kali Olson, and Hanneken each helped extend the lead to 20-14 before taking the commanding 25-21 win.
The Cardinals continued to stay gritty.
Despite dropping sets three and four, Stout hit a game-best, near .500 attack percentage.Â
It was a back-and-forth affair as it came down to the wire in the final set. A 6-0 run, after trailing 6-4, pushed the Cardinals ahead and forced a timeout for the Blue Devils. With momentum on their side, Berg shut down the rally from the Blue Devils with two huge kills to end the match.
Kali Olson led the team with 19 kills, her sister Ayla right behind her with 17 kills.Â
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals jump back into conference play, traveling to Hamline on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
