Box Score It got a little hairy at times but Hamline's volleyball team put on an impressive fourth set spring and defeated Carleton, 3-1, to win a MIAC opener for the first time since 2000. The lone undefeated team in the conference, the Pipers advanced to 8-0 for just the second time in school history with the win before a happy, excited throng at Hutton Arena.

It was an offensive showcase from the start. The Knights (10-3) hit a solid .209 for the evening. The Pipers had two sets where they hit .300 or better and finished with a .238 percentage. 

Katie Ayres led the HU offense with 17 kills. Caitlyn Gottwald had 11 and Michelle Mattke (16) had a double with 10 kills and 10 digs. As has been the case all season, Vassi Prattas and Amelia Jensen (19) split setting duties perfectly with 24 assists each. In Mattke's work on the back wall, Lynsey Reimer led everybody with 25 digs.

The Pipers had to battle from behind to win the first set, 25-23. They were in a 20-23 hole in the second set but kept swinging and eventually pulled out a 29-27 win, finishing with a torried .382 hitting percentage. After jumping to a fast lead in the third set, HU gave way to the Knights, falling 21-25. 

But they took charge early in the fourth set and built an eight-point lead. Carleton made a late charge but Hamline had enough for the 25-20 win. 

HU returns to action this weekend with three matches at the St. Catherine Invitational. The Pipers meet UW-Stout (3:00 p.m.) and Grinnell (5:00 p.m.) on Friday, September 19. They face Loras (9:00 a.m.) on Saturday, September 20.