ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Augustana volleyball (4-0, 0-0 NSIC) showcased its dominance on the final day of the Bettye Wallace Invitational with two convincing victories, first against Ark.-Fort Smith (1-2, 0-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate) and then against Cameron (0-3, 0-0 Lone Star). The Vikings defeated Ark.-Fort Smith in straight sets, winning 25-22, 25-14, 25-17, and followed it up with a 3-0 victory over Cameron, with set scores of 25-7, 25-21, and 25-23.
Augustana's impressive hitting percentages were a key factor in both matches. They recorded a .287 hitting percentage against Ark.-Fort Smith and an exceptional .471 in the first set against Cameron.
In the match against Ark.-Fort Smith, the Vikings overcame an early 3-0 deficit in the first set. Emily Parker's kill initially gave the Lions a lead, but
Abby Gruber's offensive efforts allowed Augustana to rally back, including crucial kills at 16-19 and 21-21.
Reagan Jansen's kill at 24-22 set up match point, which
Gabby Jones converted with a decisive kill from
Maya Wente to secure the first set.
Augustana maintained control in the second set, taking an early lead after a potent start with a 6-0 run fueled by Gruber's consecutive kills and a service ace. Despite a late attempt from the Lions to narrow the gap to 18-12, the Vikings finished strong, concluding the set with a service ace from
Julia Blom at 25-14.
The third set saw a consistent performance from Augustana, with Gruber scoring three consecutive points early on, helping to build a 6-2 lead. Even though the Lions briefly rallied, timely kills from Jansen and Jones ensured a 25-17 victory in the set.
Abby Gruber
- 13 kills on 23 attempts
- Hit .565
- One service ace
- 14.5 points
Maya Wente
- Nine kills on 18 attempts
- Hit .389
- Three block assists
- 10.5 points
Reagan Jansen
- Eight kills
- 15 digs
- Two service aces
Kiylah Franke
- 33 assists
- Two kills on two attempts
- One block assist
In the matchup with Cameron, Augustana quickly seized control of the first set, propelled by strong performances from
Kelby Opland and Gruber. With the set already at 12-2, Jansen added to the momentum with consecutive aces, and the Vikings closed the set decisively at 25-7 with
Karalynn Leach's final point.
Cameron attempted to fight back in the second set, starting strong with a 6-0 run. However, the Vikings responded effectively, with Jansen's kill allowing them to take a 14-12 lead. Despite the Aggies tying the score at 20, Augustana regained control and secured the set 25-21 with a closing service ace from Wente.
The third set was closely contested, with Cameron keeping the score tight. Franke's service ace initiated the set, while Gruber continued to impress with multiple kills. Although the Aggies capitalized on some Viking errors, Opland's final kill sealed the set at 25-23, clinching the match for Augustana.
Abby Gruber
- 12 kills on 19 attempts
- Hit .579
- Two block assists
- 14 points
Maya Wente
- Seven kills on seven attempts
- Hit 1.000
- One service ace
- Eight points
Reagan Jansen
- Five kills
- Three service aces
- Six digs
Kiylah Franke
- 26 assists
- Two service aces
- Four digs
Up Next
Augustana returns to Sioux Falls next weekend and will host the Augustana Volleyball Invitational at the Sanford Pentagon. Action kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 3 against UMary.
– GoAugie.com –
