St. Joseph, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris volleyball team opened play at the St. Benedict Tournament today (Sept. 17), dropping games to Hamline and St. Olaf.

The Cougars six-match winning streak was snapped in their tournament opener, falling 3-1 to Hamline. The Pipers opened with a pair of 25-21 wins in the first two sets before the Cougars won 25-21 in the third set. Minnesota Morris was unable to complete the comeback though, as Hamline closed out the match with a 25-18 win in the fourth set.

Things did not get any easier for the Cougars later in the day, as they met up with the 16th ranked team in the country in St. Olaf. The Oles handed their Cougars their first sweep since the first week of the season with a 3-0 win by scores of 25-22, 25-19 and 25-21.

Megan Theis (Shakpoee, Minn.) had a big day for the offense, slamming down 11 kills against Hamline in the opener, and coming back for seven more against St. Olaf. She also finished with four total blocks on the day, including three block assists against Hamline.

Stephanie Schmieising (Melrose, Minn.) swung for six kills against Hamline, but heated up for a season high 12 against St. Olaf. Her 12 against the Oles were a team high for the match, and second only to St. Olaf's Kim Smisek, who collected 21 on the day.

Natalie Thomas (Champlin, Minn.) continued her command of the offense with 38 and 27 assists in the two matches respectively. 

The Cougars return to action on Sept. 18, back in St. Joseph with matches against St. Scholastica and host St. Ben's. They will face the Saints first at 9:00 a.m. in a nonconference match, and then close the day at 1:00 p.m. against the Blazers.