In recent weeks, the HU volleyball team had been so close they could taste victory. On Saturday, they went over the top and liked the feeling so well they did it a second time as well. 

Hamline defeated Finlandia and Martin Luther by identical 3-1 scores to improve the overall record to 8-10. HU thus moved past the final 2017 mark for triumphs. As it turned out, it was a combination of youth and experience that did the trick. 

Madison Hurrle continued her terrific first season with 27 kills in the two matches. The Kimball, Minn. native leads the Pipers with 185. Against the Knights, first year players Gabby Robinson (11) and Sydney Larson (11) also did a lot of heavy lifting in the kill department in the win over MLC.

As for the veterans ...  Stephanie Maresh, the team's lone senior, was honored before the Finlandia game.. The Anoka, Minn. native (pictured)  then went out and smashed a dozen kills. Megan Rubbelke was very helpful with back to back 40 assist games and a total of 31 digs. The sophomore passed the 500 assist mark for the season and is just two shy of 200 digs as well.  Morgen Coleman also had a double-double with 10 kills and 14 digs against the Knights. 

Against Finlandia, HU took the first game by 25-20. The Lions rebounded with a 25-22 decision. The Pipers struck back quickly and hard with 25-13 and 25-17 wins to earn the W.

Martin Luther landed the first blow in the second match with a 25-23 win. The Piper shrugged that off, however and responded with set wins by 25-13, 25-16, 25-16 counts to celebrate Family Day in style. 

Hamline continues the six game homestand Wednesday, October 10 against Carleton. The match begins at 7:00 p.m.