BOX SCORE
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State recorded 14 blocks to defeat Augustana 3-2 (21-25, 29-27, 25-22, 20-25, 3-15) in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference volleyball Tuesday night in Sioux Falls, S.D.
SMSU moves to 18-3 (10-1 NSIC), while Augustana drops to (10-11, 6-6 NSIC).
Three Vikings posted double-figure kills.
Taylor Hrdlichka led Augustana with 17 kills.
Jordan Spatenka tallied 16, while
Lindsey Petersen had 13.
Dani Haley handed out 52 assists to break her previous record of 50 set last season.
Grace Sanders topped the Vikings with 27 digs.
Augustana opened the match slow, dropping to a 7-3 deficit before gaining momentum and knotting the score at 10-10. With the Vikings down 21-20, the Mustangs had a three-point run that was put to a stop off a kill by Hrdlichka. SMSU would still go on to finish off the set 25-21. Both teams recorded over ten kills apiece during the set, but Augustana outhit SMSU .206 to .184.
The Vikings fell behind quickly again in the second set, but regrouped in time to surpass the Mustangs after a 16-16 tie. Augustana and SMSU hung tight with each other throughout the remainder of the set as there were a total of 12 ties. The last knot in the score was at 27-27 from which the Mustangs recorded two errors, allowing the Vikings to snatch the set. Augustana racked up 19 kills to hit .312 and held the Mustangs to a .189 hitting percentage.
The Mustangs were feisty in the third set. SMSU faced an eight-point deficit at 14-6, but were able to regain strength and fight their way back into the match. The effort would not be enough, however, as Augustana would go on to win 25-22.
SMSU took over offensively in the following set, reaching a .410 hitting percentage off 17 kills. Augustana was still able to hang tough though, hitting 15 kills. The score had a total of eight ties, and neither team ever saw more than a three-point lead, until Augustana fell to a 23-19 deficit and eventually lost the set 25-20.
SMSU was dominant in the final set, holding the Vikings to a -.211 hitting percentage. The Mustangs would take the set, recording nine kills and no errors.
Cara Carson led SMSU with 55 assists.
The Vikings return to action on Friday against U-Mary at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Augustana will play Northern State at 4 p.m.
Cara Carson led SMSU with 55 assists.
The Vikings return to action on Friday against U-Mary at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Augustana will play Northern State at 4 p.m.
