The Oles' Kim Smisek, right, teams with Maddy Kreykes for a block in the five-set win over Luther on Friday.
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Behind Smisek's 27 and 31 kills, volleyball wins twice

Mike Ludwig
October 2, 2009

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Kim Smisek had 27 and 31 kills to lead St. Olaf to a three-set win over the University of Dubuque and a five-set win over Luther College on Friday in the first two rounds of the IIAC-MIAC Border Battle at Skoglund Center.

In the match with Luther, the Oles (17-2, 3-1 MIAC) won the first set 25-16, but Luther responded with 25-21 and 25-16 victories to take a 2-1 lead.

Then Smisek took over. She had nine kills in the fourth set win and six in the deciding 15-13 fifth set in the victory over the Norse. Her 31 kills are a career-high.

Her 27 kills in the Oles' first contest of the day -- a 25-15, 25-22, 25-14 sweep of Dubuque -- matched her previous career-best. She made only three errors to hit a robust .522.

Kelly Prunty had 43 and 57 set assists in the team's 2-0 day to get within two assists of 3,000 for her career.

St. Olaf has won nine in a row, which ranks as the team's best winning streak since the 2001 team started the season 13-0.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.