BOX SCORE
ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Augustana volleyball team continued its winning ways as Dani Haley picked up a season-high 43 assists to help the Vikings take down Northern State 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-23) Saturday night in Aberdeen, S.D.
The win helps Augustana's record move to 8-5 (4-0 NSIC), while NSU drops to 7-5 (0-4 NSIC).
Lindsey Petersen had 13 kills to lead the Vikings.
Grace Sanders tallied a team-high 25 digs.
Augustana had its hands full in the first set with ties in the score a total of nine times. The final tie came at 21-21 and turned out to be a breaking point for NSU in helping them win the set. With the score knotted, NSU's Kayla Vstebue recorded a kill to give the Wolves a 22-21 nudge over the Vikings. From there things went sour for Augustana as NSU would win the next three points and finish the set on top.
The Vikings picked up a rhythm in the second set and were able to jump on an early lead over the Wolves that continued through the remainder of the set. With the score at 12-10, NSU had a series of four errors that gave Augustana a secure 16-10 advantage over NSU. The Vikings went on to close out the set 25-18.
Set three proved to be more of a battle with the score tightly set throughout. However, after a 16-16 tie Augustana gained momentum on the Wolves, taking a three-point lead that helped them pull away from NSU for good. Jordan Spatenka recorded a kill to end the set 25-21.
Both teams entered the final set determined to win. Augustana had a lead over NSU from the start but the Wolves managed to find their way back into the match, forcing pressure upon the Vikings. Petersen was able to rise above the pressure, recording two kills after a 23-23 tie to give Augustana the victory.
Both teams were evenly matched, with the Vikings and Wolves each tallying 52 kills. However, Augustana was more precise, totaling 19 errors instead of NSU's 26.
The Vikings return home Sept. 28 to face Wayne State.
