Superior, WI - MLC topped Marian University (WI) in a hard-fought five-set battle to conclude their time at the Subway Stinger Classic up in Superior. The Knights defeated the Sabres 3-2, reversing their 3-2 loss to Marian the previous weekend. Before that match, the Knights took on Mary Hardin-Baylor, who hails from Belton, Texas just south of Waco. In that matchup, the Crusaders swept MLC 3-0.

Mary Hardin-Baylor 3, MLC 0

The Knights played the Crusaders hard in the first set, going neck-in-neck for the majority of it until Mary Hardin-Baylor went up 23-19, where they'd eventually close out the set 25-21 over MLC.

In the second set, the Crusaders took advantage of nine MLC errors to go up 2-0 after topping the Knights 25-13. From there, Mary Hardin-Baylor completed the sweep 25-17 due to a .409 hitting percentage that carried them past MLC.

Despite going down in straight sets, MLC setter Ella Walz led the Knights with 17 assists, while Lauren Paulsen posted a team-best four blocks on the defensive end of the court.

MLC 3, Marian 2

MLC played well in the first set and recorded 17 kills to lead them to a 25-17 advantage through one. In the set, the Knights managed a .324 hitting percentage and truly separated from the Sabres off of a Hannah Rodmyre kill that put them up 22-14. MLC then went on to take the second set after both schools played in some back-and-forth action that ended with a couple of attack errors by Marian.

The Sabres evened up the match 2-2 following a 25-16 and 25-19 advantage in the fourth and fifth sets respectively. Despite their comeback attempt, MLC regained composure and went up 12-5 before winning the set and match with a 15-9 victory in the fifth set.

Paulsen led MLC with 14 kills and three blocks, while Ella Walz had 20 assists and Grace Kieselhorst chipped in 16 of her own. Anna Kieselhorst notched 24 digs, as her sister Grace recorded 20. Madelinn Romsdahl hit five service aces to lead the Knights in that area on the court.

MLC will leave the Subway Stinger Classic with a win and will improve to 3-5 overall on the season. They'll take a break from tournament play for a bit, as they will go on the road next to Buena Vista for a non-conference match. The first serve is planned for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10.