NORTHFIELD, MINN.—The Hamline University women's volleyball team came up short 3-1 (25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18) to St Olaf in a slugfest that saw both teams combine for a .206 hitting percentage.

The Pipers fall to 7-9, 0-2 MIAC, while the Oles improve to 10-4, 1-1 MIAC.

St. Olaf's 91 digs were the most by an opponent in a four-set match since September 22, 2021, when Saint Benedict had 109.

St. Olaf 3, Hamline 1 (25-18, 25-18, 23-25, 25-18)

The opening two sets didn't result in a lead for Hamline, who found themselves in a 2-0 hole after back-to-back 25-18 losses. 

Thirteen kills, five from Maren Miller, and just one attack error powered the Oles to a 18-10 lead over the Pipers in set three. This ignited a well balanced Hamline attack as five individuals contributed kills in their 13-4 run that also included two service aces and five St. Olaf errors. It resulted in a 23-22 lead, their first advantage of the set since their 1-0 edge. The Pipers didn't relinquish that lead, as Kennedy Tutak's kill at the tail end secured a 25-23 win, which narrowed their deficit to 2-1.

St. Olaf, who finished the match with a .280 hitting mark, were the least efficient in set four with a .222 mark. The Pipers' .063 hitting percentage was a testament to the Oles' stellar defense that finished the match with 91 digs. Hamline committed just five attack errors in a 25-18 loss in set four.

Grace Bathurst paced Hamline with 12 kills and a .407 hitting percentage, while Kaitlyn Kotek had 34 assists. Jenna Rubbelke notched 20 digs for the Pipers.

The Oles finished with a stellar .280 hitting mark, led by Lilah Van Scoyoc's 21 kills and .367 hitting percentage. Maren Miller was efficient with a .556 percentage on 12 kills, while Mehsa Krause chipped in 13 kills.

The Pipers will host UW-River Falls at Hutton Arena on Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m.