The trip home on Highway 61 has probably never seemed sweeter. The HU volleyball team hit a solid .206 for the night and delivered 95 digs in recording a 3-1 win over St. Mary's in Winona Wednesday night in the MIAC opener for both teams.

Hamline, now 8-3 overall, earned a triumph over SMU for the first time since 2007. 

Madison Hurrle led the upfront attack with 18 kills. Gabby Robinson added 14 with Rachel Rettman contributing 10. The back wall had five players in double figures with freshman Maggie Gavic leading the way with 22 digs. Megan Rubbelke, who also had 48 assists, added 20 with Karly Bihner delivering 16.  Robinson added 15 with Coleman kicking in a dozen. 

In addition to her attack mode, Hurrle had three service aces and a hand in four blocks (two solo, two assists).  Rettman had five assisted blocks.

The Pipers started with a strong 25-20 opening set win. SMU took a nailbiter, 25-23, to even things at one. HU returned the favor in the third set and broke away late to win a back and forth fourth set by a 25-21 score. 

Hamline will be busy this weekend with a pair of non-conference contests. Crown visits Hutton Arena on Friday, September 20 for a 7:00 p.m. battle. The next afternoon, HU hoofs up Snelling Ave. to face Northwestern.