Moorhead, Minn.-- Friday evening, the Augustana Volleyball team traveled to MSU Moorhead for an NSIC matchup with the Dragons of MSU Moorhead. The Vikings started strong and defeated the Dragons in four sets (25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 25-18). The win brings Augustana to a record of 8-13 (3-10 NSIC) on the year and drops MSU Moorhead to 9-11 (5-8 NSIC).
The Vikings jumped out to an early 13-9 lead on an ace from
Avery Thorson. Augustana extended their lead to 16-11 forcing an MSU Moorhead timeout. However, the Dragons did not go quietly as they battled back to a score of 21-19. The Vikings gathered themselves and finished the set strong, and a tandem block from
Izzy Sommers and
Payton Rosendahl clinched the first set, 25-22.
Set two was close throughout. Augustana eventually gained their largest lead of the set at 20-16 on an ace from
Kathryn Nasby. The Dragons responded with a 4-0 run to tie the set forcing an Augustana timeout. The Vikings could not find an answer after that as the Dragons finished on a 9-2 run to take set two, 22-25.
The Dragons pulled out to an 11-6 lead in the third set. The Vikings rallied back and tied the set at 15. Augustana kept it rolling and an ace serve from
Hanna Justesen forced an MSU Moorhead timeout at a score of 20-17. The Vikings did not let the timeout stall their momentum and took the third set 25-18.
Set four was tight with the Vikings and Dragons trading points early. Eventually, Augustana pulled ahead 17-13 on a kill from
Grace Haberland. The Vikings closed the set strong with a kill from
Courtney Place cementing the victory 25-18 in the fourth and final set.
For the match, Augustana hit .193 to MSU Moorhead's .181. The Vikings impressive 98 digs paired with 11 aces helped propel the Vikings to victory.
Leading for Augustana was
Courtney Place with another double-double compiling 20 kills and 23 digs.
Avery Thorson tallied 47 assists.
Leaders for the Dragons were Amanda Carlson with 14 kills and Monica Vega with 15 digs.
The Vikings conclude their three-game road trip on Saturday at 5 p.m., when they take on No. 2 Northern State.
