Box Score The learning curve for a freshman volleyball player in the MIAC is a steep one. But when you see a first year player make the adjustment from the prep game, it is a nice thing to watch. For the second straight match, a freshman popped up on the stat leaderboard for the Pipers in a 3-0 loss at St. Benedict Friday night.

On Wednesday, it was Jaelin Jones banging out kills. This time, Megan Rubbelke impressed with nine assists, eight digs and a service ace. The North St. Paul, Minn. native's stats complemented Cass Bittle, who was the top attacker for HU. Morgen Coleman was the top assist maker with 14 and added two more service aces to take over the league lead with 27. Megan Anderson was the top scorer on the back line with nine digs. 

The Pipers went toe-to-toe for a long time in the initial set. HU trailed just 13-12 when CSB scored six in a row to pull away to a 25-16 win. In the second set, HU jumped to a 7-2 lead but the Blazers rallied for a 25-18 win. The third set mirrored the first. Hamline trailed 13-12 midway through when St. Benedict used an 7-3 spurt to grab control and then scored the final five points to finish a 25-17 verdict. 

Hamline is 3-13 overall, 0-3 in the MIAC. The Pipers are off until Wednesday, September 27 when they host Bethel at Hutton Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m.