Photo by Jake McNeill Grace Ehlers (top left) runs over to celebrate a point with her teammates in the third set of Marshall’s 3-0 win over Mankato West in the second round of the Section 2AAA tournament Friday night.

MARSHALL — The top-seeded Marshall volleyball team defeated the 4-seed Mankato West Scarlets 3-0 Friday night in the Section 2AAA semifinals.

The Tigers are yet to drop a set through the first two rounds of the sectional tournament, but Mankato West gave Marshall a scare in set two. Halfway through the set, the Tigers couldn’t seem to shake the Scarlets and led 13-12.

“First of all, we just gave away too many points in that second set. Second of all, I thought Mankato West did a nice job of finding some holes in our defense. They took advantage and that was the difference,” Marshall head coach Dan Westby said.

Still, the Tigers found their grove and were able to go on a 7-1 run to pull away before taking the second set 25-12.

“Leah Jones went back and really put together a good serving string. That gave us the lead there that we needed,” Westby said.

Jones finished the game with 14 kills and two blocks, both team-highs, as well as five digs.

The Tigers carried their momentum from the end of the second set into the third set. They opened the set with a 4-0 run and never looked back. Mankato West looked defeated and Marshall came away with a 25-8 win in the clinching set.

Part of this could have been attributed to the fans. The students, decked out in Halloween costumes, were loud all night and the energy was palpable.

“There’s always a comfort level when you can play at home. Our fans do a nice job of turning out and we appreciate all their support,” Westby said of Marshall’s home-court advantage, adding that the team’s ability to play at home throughout the tournament has been part of why they’ve been able to remain so focused.

Caitlyn Christenson led Marshall with 10 digs, while Lauren Wherry led the team in set assists with 42.

Following the win, Marshall will host the St. Peter Saints.

The third-seeded Saints defeated No. 7 Worthington in straight sets Friday night following the Trojans’ upset win over 2-seed Willmar in the first round of the tournament.

“We’ve played them here at home earlier this year. I think it’s going to be tough,” Westby said. “I think they’re going to be better prepared, we’re expecting a tough match either way.”

Marshall’s sectional finals matchup against St. Peter will be played on their home court Thursday at 7 p.m.