The Baker University volleyball team certainly can win, and they’ve proved it in more ways than one.

The Wildcats extended their winning streak to 20-straight games Tuesday evening in a battle against Benedictine College, which was a remarkable come-from-behind victory. A well-prepared Ravens team showed up and shot down BU in the first two games, 25-23 and 25-18.

Freshman Jacinta Baker said Baker’s start was uncharacteristic of the team.

“We were shocked after the first two,” Baker said. “But, we really, really pushed harder. We realized it was serious and we couldn’t play around and we needed to work hard to win.”

After trailing most of game three, the ‘Cats made adjustments to battle back and take the game, 25-20. In the best-of-five match, Baker slipped by in game four, 26-24, and then sealed the deal by dominating a tired Ravens team 15-12 in the final set.

Head coach Kathy Allen said she was pleased with her team’s physical fitness throughout the long match.

“In the end, we’re going to be the team that’s in the best volleyball shape and I think that really showed,” Allen said. “I also think that we showed a lot of mental toughness.”

Junior Brooke Pryor led BU’s frontline with 18 kills, followed closely behind by junior Christina Delladio with 13 and freshman Kelsey Wise with 10.

Sophomore Brooke Allen was crucial in the backcourt as she led the team with 40 digs and freshman Jana Boss recorded 57 assists.

Allen said the biggest adjustment her team made was its blocking tactics, which required a team effort to shut down the Ravens’ offensive attack. She said she credits the team chemistry and crowd as important factors in the victory.

“The kids made the adjustments and did it smoothly, and Benedictine never realized what we were doing,” she said.

Coach Allen also said Benedictine is a much tougher team than what the Wildcats have recently faced.

Junior Brooke Pryor said the win against the Ravens, who sit in the top half of the HAAC, was crucial for BU.

“It was a really big win because Benedictine is one of the leaders in conference, and with their caliber of team, it’s good to show that we can compete with the top teams in our conference.”

The road to success and continuing the historical 20-game streak will become tougher as the 'Cats play Friday and Saturday in the Lindenwood Fall Classic in St. Charles, Mo., followed by a showdown against the No. 20 Lindenwood Lions at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Collins Center. Both teams are tied for first in the HAAC. <br/>