DE PERE, WIS. — The Hamline University women's volleyball team faced two tough opponents on day two of the St. Norbert Chick-Fil-A Invitational at the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center on Saturday. The Pipers fell to Gallaudet 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 26-28, 15-11) in the first match, before succumbing to St. Norbert 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-16, 25-9).

Hamline falls to 0-3, while Gallaudet improves to 2-1 and St. Norbert advances to 4-0.

Gallaudet 3, Hamline 2 (23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 26-28, 15-11)

The Pipers took an early lead by edging the Bison 25-23 in the first set, fueled by a late 5-0 run. Brielle Worley led Gallaudet with four kills, while Hamline's Claire Kaups and Sophia Johnson made significant contributions with critical kills. However, both teams struggled with service errors, combining for six, including three late ones that proved costly for the Bison.

Gallaudet responded by winning the second set 25-20, overcoming a strong start from Hamline, which included back-to-back service aces from Cameryn Sand. Worley's multiple kills helped the Bison regain control, as they capitalized on the Pipers' attack errors.

The Bison secured the third set with a 25-21 victory, coming back from an early deficit. Lexi Helmin posted four kills for the Pipers, but Worley's impactful attacks, including a tying kill at 16, propelled Gallaudet forward. Hamline's service errors continued to hinder their performance, while Ella Gamble provided crucial assists for the Bison.

Hamline rebounded in the fourth set, winning 28-26. Key kills from Grace Bathurst, along with Sand's consistent setup play, led to the Pipers overcoming a 24-24 tie. Despite Worley's strong offensive presence for Gallaudet, Hamline's late surge clinched the set.

In the decisive fifth set, Gallaudet triumphed 15-11, thanks to Gamble's three consecutive service aces that sparked a 4-0 run. Kaups and Helmin each recorded two kills for the Pipers, but fell short against Gallaudet's timely serving and efficient play.

Helmin led Hamline with an impressive 20 points, hitting .343 with 17 kills on 35 attempts. Sand was essential in setting, delivering 47 assists along with four aces. Mandy Dierks and Cintsaiab Shiong anchored the defense with 26 and 18 digs, respectively. Bathurst also made a significant impact with 10 kills and four total blocks, earning 13.5 points.

St. Norbert 3, Hamline 1 (25-20, 19-25, 25-16, 25-9)

Hamline faced a challenging first set, losing 25-20. The Pipers struggled with five attack errors as the Green Knights capitalized on their mistakes. Despite contributions from Bathurst and Johnson, who each had multiple kills, Hamline could not control the offensive run led by Mari Szews.

The Pipers rebounded in the second set, winning 25-19 thanks to strong net presence and effective serving. Sand's two service aces and assists, along with key blocks from Johnson and Kaups, played a crucial role in clinching the set, with Bathurst delivering crucial kills late.

The Pipers fell short in the third set, losing 25-16, hampered by a series of attack errors. Although Sand assisted on kills from Kaups and Bathurst, the Green Knights' consistent blocking and scoring streaks proved too much to handle.

In the fourth set, Hamline fell 25-9, as they committed seven attack errors that contributed to the Green Knights' score.

Mandy Dierks led the Pipers' defensive effort with 23 digs, and she also contributed significantly with five service aces. Sand was pivotal in offense, delivering 32 assists, along with a service ace and 13 digs. Bathurst managed nine kills on a .304 hitting percentage and added two total blocks for 10.5 points. Lexi Helmin made an impact defensively with five blocks, including three solo efforts, while also contributing seven kills.

For St. Norbert, Heidi Colburn led in assists with 33. Annabel Stevenson showcased strong defensive skills, leading her team with 16 digs, and Kirsten Klatt was effective at the net with five total blocks. Mickenzi Benter paced SNC with 13 kills.

The Pipers will return to action on Friday, September 5, when they will host Central (Iowa) on day one of the St. Paul Tournament. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.