Vikings Volleyball Swept by Winona

by Nick Lenz, Sports Anchor/Reporter
September 15, 2012 9:52 PM


SIOUX FALLS, SD – Augustana lost their first NSIC match in straight sets
to Winona State on Saturday evening.  The Warriors took the match 25-20,
25-19, 25-20 dropping the Vikings to 7-3 (1-1, NSIC) and Winona State
improves to 10-2 (2-0, NSIC.)

The Warriors won a neck-and-neck first set 25-23 and the match’s
momentum swung in their favor.  With their backs to the wall, Augustana
fought off four match points to bring them within one point at 23-24.
Winona State then took a timeout to stop the Augustana run and it
worked; the Warriors earned a kill on the next rally, giving them a 1-0
edge in the match.

In the second set, Augustana battled evenly with Winona State but could
never take the lead eventually losing 25-19.  The Vikings rallied from
several four or five point deficits, but at 19-21 the Warriors finished
off the Vikings with four straight points, three of which were Vikings
errors.

The third set remained close until once again Winona State pulled away
to close out the match with a 25-20 set win.  At 7-6, Augustana would
hold their final lead of the match.  Winona State scored six straight
points which proved to be a hole to big for the Vikings to climb out of.

Holly Hafemeyer led the offense with 11 kills and Taylor Hrdlichka
contributed 10.  Hafemeyer also chipped in with four block assists which
led the team.

Marissa Johnson handed out 21 assists and Katie Niesen dished out nine
after replacing Johnson for the third set.

Grace sanders dug up 14 balls and four other Vikings had at least six
digs.

The Vikings have a short turnaround when they host Wayne State on
Tuesday at 7 p.m.