WASHINGTON - St. Norbert College picked up its first win of the young 2025 season with a 3-1 win over Gallaudet University in a non-conference match at Gallaudet Field House in the heart of the United States' capital city.

The Green Knights (1-2) topped the Bison 25-12, 25-27, 25-13, 25-16. It was the first match in 12 years for Gallaudet, which restarted its program since going on hiatus in 2013. It also marked the first time a St. Norbert athletics program has competed in Washington, D.C.

St. Norbert got off to a hot start in Set 1, going on a 7-1 run after a 4-4 tie to take an 11-5 lead. The Green Knights eventually saw their lead balloon out to 19-9 en route to a 1-0 lead. St. Norbert battled to a deuce set in Set 2, falling behind 24-19 before fending off five set points to tie it at 24-24. Following a 25-25 tie, the Bison scored the last two points to even things at 1-1.

The Green Knights saw a 9-7 lead in Set 3 turn into a 15-9 edge. A double block by Michael Whitney and Barry Applewhite, an Applewhite kill and a Kaden Kornaus service ace fueled the run. Gallaudet got to within 18-13, but a 7-0 run for St. Norbert put the Green Knights up 2-1. St. Norbert never trailed in the fourth set, jumping out to a 6-2 lead with kills by Applewhite, Kornaus, Bennett Kornaus, Kade Nelson and Cam Doty. The lead shrunk to 9-6 before a 7-1 run turned things into a 16-7 margin and an eventual victory.

St. Norbert hit .256, with 41 kills against 18 errors in 90 attempts. The Green Knights matched a school record with 14 service aces. Kornaus and Bennett Kornaus each had seven kills, while Applewhite, Nelson and Jacob Van Ooyen all had five kills apiece. Whitney had 22 assists and three aces. Grant Bettag, Kaden Kornaus and Ethan Grassl all had two aces apiece.

Bennett Kornaus and Ryan Conway each had six digs, while Doty had five. Applewhite and Kaden Kornaus had three blocks each.

Gallaudet hit .101, with 28 kills against 19 errors in 89 attempts. Zachary Bippus had a match-high 13 kills.