BOX SCORE Wayne, Neb.-- Looking for their first three-game win streak of the season, the Augustana Volleyball traveled to Wayne, Nebraska on Tuesday ready for a mid-week NSIC matchup. Although the Vikings played well early on, Wayne State was too much for the Vikings as they fell in straight sets (25-16, 25-23, 25-20). The loss drops Augustana to 7-13 (2-10 NSIC) on the year and brings Wayne State to 16-5 (8-4 NSIC).

Throughout the first set, the Vikings traded points early with the Wildcats. Wayne State pulled ahead 10-6, forcing a timeout from Augustana. The Vikings battled with the Wildcats from there but were unable to come back and Wayne State took the first set, 25-16.

The second set was tight all the way through with neither team leading by more than three points  On a kill from Grace Haberland, the Vikings took an 18-17 lead. However, the Wildcats followed the Haberland kill with a 4-0 run to go up 21-18 and force another timeout from head coach Jen Jacobs. Augustana then put together a 4-1 run of their own to tie the score at 22 on an Abby Benson kill. But, the rally would come up short as the Wildcats were able to edge the Vikings for the second set victory, 25-23.

Set three was close early as Augustana trailing Wayne State just 11-9. A kill from Courtney Place would bring the Vikings within three (19-16) for the first time since the early points.  Although the Vikings battled back, they once again came up short as the Wildcats took the third and final set, 25-20.

For the match, Augustana hit .221 to Wayne State's .295. The Vikings did play impressive defense, finishing with 73 digs. Hanna Justesen had a match-high 21 digs on the night coming within two of her career-record set earlier this season against Concordia-St. Paul.

Leading the Vikings were Courtney Place with 15 kills,  and Avery Thorson who compiled a match-high 39 assists. Both sides finished with 43 assists on the evening.

Leaders for the Wildcats were Alyssa Ballenger with 15 kills and Haley Kauth with 15 digs.

The Vikings continue their three-game road trip on Friday at 6 p.m., taking on MSU Moorhead.