SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Augustana volleyball team took down Minnesota Duluth in four sets (26-24, 25-18, 25-21, 25-18) inside the Elmen Center on Friday night, extending its win-streak to five.
The Vikings are elevated to 18-9 on the season and 13-6 within the NSIC while the Bulldogs fall to 18-10 overall and 10-9 within the loop.
Despite falling to the Bulldogs in the first set, Augustana would go on to win the next three sets in front of the home crowd on Parents Night.
The Vikings appeared to be in control of the second set, having a four-point lead at 18-14. The Bulldogs would pull to within two at 18-16, although the Bulldogs would not regain the lead.
A five-point spurt by the Vikings complemented with kills from freshman Jolie Stecher and senior Payton Rosendahl would bring Augustana to set point, 24-17.
Rosendahl would deliver the finishing kill two points later to tie the match at 1-1.
After a kill by the Bulldogs gave Minnesota Duluth a three-point advantage at 21-17 in the third set, the Vikings flipped the switch, scoring seven unanswered points to claim the set, 25-21.
A kill by Rosendahl sparked the Vikings in the set, with an additional kill coming from junior Kate Reimann. Two points later, senior Kelsey Ruff would bring Augustana to match point with a service ace. Reimann would account for her second kill of the run to give Augustana a 2-1 lead.
The Vikings maintained a considerable lead in the fourth set, with a kill by sophomore Callie Hohenhaus elevating Augustana 13-5.
Back-to-back points from Stecher, a kill followed by a service ace would make the score 19-9.
The Bulldogs attempted a comeback but fell short as junior Maddy Guetter sent Minnesota Duluth home, scoring the final kill at 25-18.
The Vikings were led by Rosendahl with 14 kills while holding a .400 hitting percentage. Senior Avery Thorson dished out 50 assists and junior Erika Bute totaled 22 digs.
The Bulldogs were led by Grace Daak with 14 kills, Maddi Kealy with 24 assists and Sydney Lanoue with 19 digs.
The Vikings return to action Saturday for Senior Night, hosting No. 11 St Cloud State in the final regular-season match of the year. First serve is slated for 5 p.m. Senior Night festivities will take place prior to the start of the match.
--GoAugie.com--
