BOX SCORE
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Taylor Hrdlichka recorded a career-high 20 kills to help Augustana defeat Winona State 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 25-16) in Northern Sun Intercollegiate volleyball Saturday night in Sioux Falls, S.D.
The win marks the second consecutive victory at home for the Vikings and brings Augustana's record to 6-5 (2-0 NSIC). Winona State falls to 5-6 (0-3 NSIC).
Grace Sanders led the Vikings in digs, recording 21.
Dani Haley also had another strong performance for Augustana with 36 assists.
Augustana played steady in the opening set, earning a lead at 5-4 and never losing it. The Vikings took as large as a five-point lead and settled on that advantage for the victory.
The Vikings came out hot the next set, scoring the first six points behind the serving of
Brianna Erickson. A late kill from Hrdlichka and a bad WSU set allowed Augustana to go on to the 25-19 set victory.
Augustana wasn't able to carry the winning momentum into the third set. The Vikings started slow and had to play catch up early on until string of five kills by Hrdlichka brought the Vikings to a 13-10 lead. The Warriors, however, rallied back after a 20-20 tie and took the set.
The Vikings showed no discouragement in the final set, using four Hrdlichka kills to walk away with a 25-16 win.
Offensively, Augustana was stronger than the Warriors tallying 54 assists, while WSU recorded 43.
Becca Saugen's 12 kills and Shannon McGowan's 22 digs paced the Warriors.
The Vikings will return to action Sept. 24 to play U-Mary in Bismark, N.D. at 7 p.m. On Sept. 25 Augustana will travel to Aberdeen, S.D. to play Northern State at 5 p.m.
