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Box Score

Morris, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Morris volleyball team won twice today (Oct. 30), closing the regular season with a 3-0 win over Bethany Lutheran and a 3-1 win over Dakota Wesleyan.

On a day dedicated the seniors, the eldest Cougars proved they were worth the honor. In the win over Bethany Lutheran Megan Theis led the way with 10 kills, and in the win over Dakota Wesleyan Jordan Olerud sat near the top with 12.

Adding to the honors of the day, head coach Chad Braegelmann notched his 199th and 200th career victories, guiding UMM to its first 20-win season since 2003.

The Cougars made quick work of Bethany Lutheran, winning 25-16, 25-13 and 25-18. If not for a second set slip up against a high powered Dakota Wesleyan team, the Cougars could have made it out in straight sets on the day. Still, though, they finished off the Tigers by scores of 25-20, 21-25, 25-22 and 25-19. 

 Minnesota, Morris (20-11, 11-3) gained a shared of second place in the final regular season standings with the win, as Northwestern lost today to champion St. Scholastica – who finished their league slate undefeated.

The Cougars have been playing their best volleyball of late, winning their last eight matches, with just one loss in their last 14. Their recent run of success showed early against Bethany Lutheran, as the Cougars hit .314 and .367 in the first two sets with a combined five attack errors.

They also had one of their best sets in the opener against Dakota Wesleyan, hitting .256 with just four errors.

Along with Olerud and Theis, Steph Schmieising led all players on the day with 22 total kills, hitting .353 in the win over Bethany Lutheran. Olerud had 16 on the day and Theis had 19. Natalie Thomas was her usual efficient self, handing out 80 assists in the two matches, keeping the Cougars offense clicking all night.

With their tie to Northwester in the final standings, tie breakers were used to determine to playoff host next week, and since each team won 3-0 in their home floor, total points became the criteria, giving Northwestern the edge.

The Cougars will now turn their attention to the Eagles, as they meet for a third time on Wednesday, Nov. 3 in St. Paul. The winner will advance to the UMAC Championship match on Nov. 6.

Official times are still to be determined.