Box Score
Augustana utilized a nearly flawless offensive attack as the Vikings routed Upper Iowa in straight sets by scores of 25-16, 25-21, 25-7 Friday night at the Elmen Center.
The 22nd-ranked Vikings improved to 17-6 overall and 9-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference while Upper Iowa fell to 10-12 overall and 2-9 in the NSIC.
Augustana's offense was in high gear. As a team, the Vikings hit .494 with 51 kills and just 7 errors on 89 attacks. Every Viking attacker hit over .420 in the match.
The Vikings grabbed control of the first set by jumping out to a 8-3 lead. After Upper Iowa trimmed the deficit to 12-9, Augustana went on a 7-2 rally to push the advantage to 19-11.
Upper Iowa responded with a strong second set. The Peacocks jumped out to a 3-0 lead and stayed within 4 points the entire set. The Vikings appeared in control of the set with a 20-17 lead, but UIU used a 3-1 spurt to close within 1 at 21-20. However, Augie closed out the set with a 4-1 run with all of the points coming via kills.
Augustana was never threatened in the third set, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. The lead grew to 14-6. Two points later, with the score 15-7, the Vikings reeled off 10 straight points to put the match away.
Three Vikings reached double figures in kills.
Beth Talcott led the way with 13 kills and a .478 attack percentage.
Ellen Andrews was next with 11 kills and just 1 error on 14 attack for an amazing .714 attack percentage.
Kati Newgard tallied 10 kills and had a .471 attack percentage.
Talcott picked up a double-double by accumulating a match-high 13 digs.
Brianna Erickson joined Talcott in double figures with 10 digs.
Lisa Hoegh dished out 44 assists.
Augustana, winners of 7 straight matches and 10 of its last 11, remains at home on Saturday when the Vikings play host to Winona State in a 4 p.m. match at the Elmen Center. The match is also the Vikings' "Dig Pink" match. Fans can purchase pink t-shirts in an effort to raise money for breast cancer research.
