Vikings Sweep Golden Eagles In Crookston

CROOKSTON, MN -- Augustana swept Minnesota-Crookston Saturday evening.  The Vikings downed the Golden Eagles 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 to improve to 9-4, 3-2 in the NSIC and the Golden Eagles fall to 7-5 overall and 3-2 in the NSIC.

Augustana looked to be pulling away in the first set, but Minnesota-Crookston pulled even with the Vikings at 20-20.  Augustana went on to win the set 25-23, but not without any adversity.  The Golden Eagles tied the set at 23- all, but Courtney Ysker and Holly Hafemeyer finished the set with the final two kills.

In another tight set, neither team could separate and found themselves knotted at 23-23 but Jordan Spatenka and Ysker finished the set strongly with two kills.  Augustana looked to coast in the set with an early five-point lead, but Minnesota-Crookston fought back, eventually tying the set at 23 all before falling to the Vikings.

Augustana hopped on Minnesota-Crookston early but the Golden Eagles fought back and took a 17-16 lead before the Vikings closed on a 9-2 run and finished off Minnesota-Crookston, 25-19.

Katie Niesen assisted on 34 assists in her second start of the year and registered 12 digs for her first career double-double.

Ysker led the offense with 13 kills and Hafemeyer and Spatenka were not far behind with 12 and 10 kills, respectively.

Kayla Wallerich and Julia Witt dug nine balls each and Taylor Hrdlichka registered four solo blocks, a season-high.

The Vikings now face off with Southwest Minnesota State on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls.

Courtesy:  Augustana College