RAPID CITY, S.D. – No. 6 Augustana University volleyball improved to 16-1 on the season with a pair of non-conference wins in Rapid City on Tuesday evening. The Vikings opened the two-game road trip with a sweep over Black Hills State (2-12) by scores of 25-15, 25-21, 25-19. Augustana then defeated host South Dakota School of Mines (1-16) in straight sets (25-15, 25-12, 25-20).
 
The Vikings opened up an early lead against Black Hills State going in front 8-3. The Yellowjackets didn't go away quietly as they were able to rally and gain a 13-12 lead in the set. Augustana responded, taking the opener 25-15 with a strong response.
 
Augustana raced out to a 5-1 lead in the second set but the Yellojackets evened things up before taking a 9-7 lead. The Vikings were able to regain the lead and held a four-point advantage at 15-11 near the midway point of the set.
 
The Yellowjackets got within two at 21-19 before the Vikings pulled away with a 25-21 win after a solo block by Lauren Waite.
 
Augustana opened up a 7-3 lead in the third set and led the entire way gaining the sweep with a 25-19 set three victory.
 
Full game statistics were not made available by South Dakota School of Mines for the match against Black Hills State.
 
Augustana was led by Hannah Justesen in the nightcap as she finished with 14 kills against South Dakota School of Mines. Bailey Koch added nine kills while Kelsey Kaufmann, Dani Magdzas and Lauren Waite each added six.
 
Anny Sykora, playing in her hometown of Rapid City for the first time since high school, finished the night with 37 set assists to go along with four kills, four digs and two blocks. She also added three service aces in the second match.
 
The Vikings jumped out to a 7-4 lead in the first set against the Hardrockers forcing a timeout. Augustana extended its lead to 15-10 and cruised to a 25-15 first-set win.
 
South Dakota School of Mines grabbed an early lead in the second set and held an advantage until Sykora was able to dump a kill to tie the set at 6-6. The Vikings went on an 11-3 run to take a 17-9 lead forcing the Hardrockers to take a timeout. Augustana took the second set 25-12.
 
The Vikings and Hardrockers played to three tie scores early in the third set and the two teams stayed close throughout the final frame. Augustana held a 16-9 lead but South Dakota Mines was able to get within four at 18-14. The two teams traded points as the Hardrockers were able to make it a two-point set at 22-20. The Vikings rallied-off three straight points to secure the third set and earn the sweep.
 
Augustana returns to the Elmen Center this weekend for a pair of big NSIC matches. The Vikings will take on No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7 before taking on Minnesota State at 3 p.m. on Saturday.