SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Winona State University entered its final road trip of the regular season needing a pair of wins ahead of next weekend's doubleheader finale to remain in postseason contention and the Warriors did just that.
Following a sweep of (RV) Wayne State on Friday night, Winona State traveled to Augustana University on Saturday afternoon and claimed a 3-1 victory over the Vikings.
The win improves WSU to 13-13 (10-8 NSIC) and pulls the Warriors into a tie for the eighth and final conference tournament spot. The Warriors still have their work cut out for them against a pair of regionally ranked foes next weekend, but they can enjoy the spoils of their weekend labor for now.
The victory also stands as head coach Joe Getzin's 100th triumph on the Winona State sideline as he becomes the fastest in program history to reach the milestone in just his fifth season.
The Warriors rebounded from a 25-21 first set loss to defeat the Vikings on their home court, 25-22, 25-16, 25-14.
For the second time in as many days, Taylor Goar was the offensive leader with 15 kills. The senior produced her 11th double-double of the year with 14 digs and moved into 11th place in program history, passing former teammate Danielle Rampart, in career digs (1,306).
Becca Pagel led the back row with a career-best 33 digs as the WSU defense was locked in yet again, totaling 83 digs and nine blocks. Senior Maria Wrage's season-best five blocks were matched by sophomore Megan Flom at the net. Flom also had 14 kills. Freshman Madison Rizner totaled nine kills and four blocks.
Pagel, Paige Christopher and Bre Maloney accounted for six of the Warriors' eight aces with two apiece. Maloney set the offense with 49 assists.
Offensively, the Warriors got better as the match progressed with an improved attacking percentage each set, including a .308 clip in the fourth set while flooring 14 kills compared to just two errors.
Winona State wraps up the regular season next weekend with home matches against Sioux Falls and No. 12 Southwest Minnesota State University. The Warriors will look to avenge a sweep at the hands of USF earlier this year on Friday night and aim to complete a season sweep of SMSU on Saturday afternoon in McCown Gymnasium.
