SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana volleyball team fell to the Cougars of Sioux Falls (25-19, 25-19, 25-23) on Saturday afternoon in the Stewart Center.

The Vikings move to a 16-7 record and are now 8-7 in NSIC play. The Cougars advance to a 13-9 record with a 9-6 record in the loop. 

Augustana opened set one firing on all cylinders firing three back-to-back kills to set the tone for the Vikings. Sophomore Jolie Stecher rained down the first kill followed by Senior Kate Reimann with two in a row. AU ran off with the lead early exploiting USF attack errors however, the Cougars were not giving up there. USF went on a late 12-0 run where the Cougars were able to grasp the first set 25-19.  

Set two was opened by a Viking kill from the right side by Kia Kriener to make her presence at the net known early. Both sides of the net were neck-and-neck trading back and forth points for most of the set. However, a final late 8-0 run by the Cougars sent them home with the second set after capitalizing on Viking attack errors. 

The Vikings kept on the Cougars in set three never letting USF extend their lead by more than three. Kriener led the way for the Vikings in set three with 6 kills of 13 attempts racking up an impressive .462 attack percentage. A final kill by Kriener brought Augustana within one but a fatal Viking attack error sent the Cougars home with their third, and final, set win of the afternoon. 

Overall, the Vikings accumulated 38 kills and seven blocks compared to the Cougars 43 kills and nine total blocks. The Vikings were led by Kriener in kills with 12 while adding 13.5 points. Senior Maddy Guetter was close behind tallying nine kills and one ace with 11.5 points.

Senior Erika Bute completed 10 digs with a perfect 1.000 reception on the afternoon while teammate senior Avery Thorson tallied 30 assists and one kill. 

Up Next 
Augustana travels to No. 1 Wayne State to take on the Wildcats Tuesday at 6 p.m.

– GoAugie.com –