BLOOMINGTON, ILL. – St. Olaf College’s fifth-seeded volleyball team made an impressive start in the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship. They triumphed over the fourth-seeded University of Northwestern, winning the match in straight sets: 28-26, 25-14, and 25-15.
This victory was particularly sweet for the Oles, who had previously lost to Northwestern in a five-set match earlier this season. With this win, St. Olaf celebrated their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2010. The Oles’ 27 wins this season mark their best performance since getting 31 wins in 2010.
St. Olaf will face the top-seeded and host team, Illinois Wesleyan, in the regional semifinals on Friday at 7 p.m. Illinois Wesleyan easily defeated Asbury University, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
In this match, junior Evelyn Kreft and sophomore Mehsa Krause stood out, combining for 31 kills and a remarkable attack percentage of .410. Kreft led with 16 kills, while Krause followed closely with 15 kills, 8 digs, and 3 aces. Senior Paige Christophersen contributed a double-double with 25 assists and 10 digs, showcasing her leadership on the court.
The first set was a nail-biter, with the Oles needing to recover from a 19-12 deficit. They fought back, displaying resilience by saving three set points before Kreft sealed the win with back-to-back kills. In the second set, after a tight start with several ties, the Oles dominated toward the end. They won 13 of the last 14 points, primarily due to Krause’s strong serving.
The third set started with the Oles taking a commanding 7-1 lead. Their momentum continued with a staggering 6-0 and 7-0 run, bringing them to match point. Ultimately, a key block by Miller and senior Holly Jelinek concluded the match, sealing the sweep.
This tournament is significant for St. Olaf, as it’s a chance for the team to build on their performance. Volleyball is gaining popularity at the collegiate level, and teams like St. Olaf are proof of the increasing competitiveness and skill in the sport.
As the Oles look forward, they’re not just playing for wins; they’re contributing to a growing legacy in Division III volleyball. With their spirit and determination, they could make a deeper run in the tournament than ever before.
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