SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Coming into Tuesday's night showdown at the Elmen Center, the Augustana Volleyball team was in big need of their first Northern Sun Conference win, but there are no nights off in the NSIC. The Vikings battled tough in each set, but ultimately No. 18 Wayne State was too much for Augustana, sweeping the Vikings in straight sets, 25-16, 25-16, and 25-17. The loss drops the Vikings to 5-6 (0-3 NSIC) on the year and brings Wayne State to 9-2 (2-1).

Augustana head Coach Jen Jacobs was positive as always after the match, knowing that her team will be stronger in the long run after tonight's loss. "We will bounce back," Jacobs said. "We have two big matches this weekend at home, and I know the team will refocus, regroup, and be ready to play on Friday night."

The night opened with great back-n-forth action on the hardwood with Wayne state taking a 12-10 advantage early in the 1st set. The Vikings Grace Haberland and Courtney Place picked up back-to-back kills, but three straight points from the WIldcats' Tarrin Beller sparked an 11-4 run to help Wayne gain control and roll to a 25-16 set one win. In the match, Place again led the Vikings with 10 kills, attacking. .219 on the evening. Avery Thorson was the Vikings assist leader with 19, and Kaylea Ahrens had a match-high 21 digs.

Sparked by some passing and defense from Ahrens in the second set, the Vikings took an early lead, but this time it was the Wildcats Alyssa Ballenger who took over, hammering down a few big points to give the Wildcats the lead. The second set featured some impressive rallies, but again The Wildcats used great movement and a soft touch roll to another 25-16 set win.

The Vikings made some key adjustments in the third, but it wasn't enough to throw off No. 18 Wayne State. The Wildcats' Beller buried a free-ball to start the scoring and just minutes later it was 6-2, WSU. Augie battled back, including another Kill from Place to make it 16-14, but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats took over and won set three 25-17. Overall a team, the Vikings hit just .107, compared to .270 for Wayne State.

If you missed Augustana in action tonight, the Vikings will be back home at the Elmen Center this Friday and Saturday (the 14th and 15th) as they take on Minnesota State and No. 3 Concordia - St. Paul, respectively. Fans interested in tickets can click here.
 

-- GoAugie.com --