SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana volleyball team fell to the No.1 Wildcats of Wayne State in four sets on Tuesday Night.
The Vikings were defeated 25-16, 25-19, 20-15, 25-19 against the Wildcats. Wayne State remains the only unbeaten team in NCAA Division II with its 19-0 record and 9-0 mark in the loop. Augustana falls to 12-5, 4-5.
The Wildcats secured set one, overpowering the Vikings at the net hitting .280 over Augustana's .129. Augustana led both sides of the net in kills with 11 in set one over the Wildcats 10, however, Viking attack errors were their downfall. A final kill from Taya Beller gave the Wildcats their first set win of the match.
Augustana was not able to slow down Wayne State in the second set. Senior Erika Bute and Sophomore Jolie Stecher delivered an ace apiece to shake up the Wildcats defense and keep them within reach. A mid-set 5-0 run by the Wildcats was the finisher for AU as Wayne State pulled ahead from there reigning in set three.
The Vikings came back to battle in set three with clutch kills from seniors Maddy Guetter and Kia Kriener to give Augustana the edge. Guetter led both sides of the net with seven kills and 8.5 points to bring the Vikings the momentum needed to take the lead. Kriener followed closely behind Guetter hammering home five kills herself and adding 5.0 points to their advantage. A final ace delivered by Guetter rallied in Augustana's first and final set win of the night.
It was a fight until the end in set four for the Vikings. Senior Kate Reimann came out swinging in the fourth set, raining down six kills while hitting an efficient .364 with six points. Reimann kept the Vikings at Wildcats heels keeping them within one until the Wildcats went on a late 5-0 run to secure the lead. Final kills by Guetter and senior Piper Asche kept AU in the fight until a final service ace gave Wayne State its final match point.
Overall, the Vikings were led by Guetter with 19 kills, 21.5 points, three blocks and one ace. Closely behind Guetter was Reimann with 15 kills, 15.0 points and 10 digs. Senior setter Avery Thorson came out with 47 assists and two kills to aid the Vikings offense.
On the defensive side, Bute secured 19 digs with a perfect 1.000 reception and delivered home one ace. Guetter and Stecher each powered home three blocks to add to the Vikings 10 on the night.
Up Next
The Vikings take the road to face the Dragons of MSU Moorhead on Friday and the Wolves of Northern State on Saturday. Friday and Saturdays matches will both begin at 6 p.m.
– GoAugie.com –
