MIAC Athletes of the Week
WINONA, Minn. — When you're hot, you're hot.
And right now, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's
Brandi Blattner (Eyota, Minn.) is sizzling.
Blattner, who has been virtually unstoppable down the stretch for the playoff-bound Cardinal volleyball team, racked up two more dominant performances in Saint Mary's wins over Carleton and Gustavus last weekend.
And Monday afternoon, for the second straight week—and fourth time this season—the Cardinal sophomore was recognized for her efforts by being named MIAC Hitter of the Week, the league office announced.
Blattner collected 49 kills (5.44 kps), and added 25 digs and three blocks as the Cardinals closed out the regular-season with back-to-back wins over Carleton (3-1) and Gustavus (3-2).
The sophomore outside hitter kicked off the week with a 28-kill, eight-dig effort against Carleton, before helping guide the Cardinals to a clutch, 3-2 win over regular-season runner-up Gustavus with a 21-kill, 17-dig double-double.
Blattner, who has now recorded 20 or more kills seven times this season—including a school-record 31 kills against Bethel on Oct. 21—heads into post-season play leading the team and the conference in both kills (430) and kills-per-set (4.62).
The Cardinals, who finished 24-4 overall and 8-3 in the final regular-season conference standings, enter Tuesday's MIAC Playoff opener as the No. 4 seed, and host Bethel in a 7 p.m. quarterfinal match at the Saint Mary's Gym.
