Vikings Drop First NSIC Match To Winona State

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Augustana lost their first NSIC match in straight sets to Winona State on Saturday evening.  The Warriors took the match 25-20, 25-19, 25-20 dropping the Vikings to 7-3 (1-1, NSIC) and Winona State improves to 10-2 (2-0, NSIC.)

The Warriors won a neck-and-neck first set 25-23 and the match's momentum swung in their favor.  With their backs to the wall, Augustana fought off four match points to bring them within one point at 23-24.  Winona State then took a timeout to stop the Augustana run and it worked; the Warriors earned a kill on the next rally, giving them a 1-0 edge in the match.

In the second set, Augustana battled evenly with Winona State but could never take the lead eventually losing 25-19.  The Vikings rallied from several four or five point deficits, but at 19-21 the Warriors finished off the Vikings with four straight points, three of which were Vikings errors.

The third set remained close until once again Winona State pulled away to close out the match with a 25-20 set win.  At 7-6, Augustana would hold their final lead of the match.  Winona State scored six straight points which proved to be a hole to big for the Vikings to climb out of.

Holly Hafemeyer led the offense with 11 kills and Taylor Hrdlichka contributed 10.  Hafemeyer also chipped in with four block assists which led the team.

Marissa Johnson handed out 21 assists and Katie Niesen dished out nine after replacing Johnson for the third set.

Grace Sanders dug up 14 balls and four other Vikings had at least six digs.

The Vikings have a short turnaround when they host Wayne State on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Courtesy:  Augustana College