WINONA, Minn. – The #8 Winona State University volleyball team delivered an exciting 3-2 defeat to #10 Southwest Minnesota State University in front of an enthusiastic crowd at McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
For the second match in a row the Warriors saw themselves in a five-set thriller, this time coming out victorious in a matchup of top-10 teams.
The first set did not start in favor of the Warriors as they were down 4-9 early. After a timely timeout by
Joe Getzin, WSU battled back winning five of the next six points. The Mustangs from Southwest Minnesota State took a lead of 18-16 late in the first set putting the Warriors on their heels. WSU bounced back to go on a 9-2 run, capped by a service ace from
Sidney Paulson, to win the first set 25-20.
The second set started with an exciting rally which ended with a kill by
Madison Rizner, and the Warriors used the momentum throughout the set. After a block by
Megan Flom, a service ace by
Rylee Vaughn, and a block by
Madison Larson, Winona State extended their lead early in the set and never looked back. The Warriors took a 2-0 lead after winning the second set 25-19.
After Winona State built an early lead in set three, Southwest Minnesota State battled back and eventually won the set 25-22. In the fourth set, the Mustangs built a lead early and never looked back. Southwest Minnesota State took set four, 25-18, and forced the deciding fifth set.
With a crucial Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) match on the line, the fifth set was bound to be exciting, and to the delight of the Warrior faithful, it sure was. After trading points to start the set, SMSU put Winona State on their heels. WSU found themselves in a hole, down 4-7, before McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court came to life. The Warriors went on a tear, winning the next 10 points. Several points later, with the home crowd on their feet, Winona State captured a fifth-set victory, 15-10, to clinch the match 3-2.
The Warriors were led by
Bre Maloney, who had a double-double of 10 digs and 48 assists to six different teammates, where Larson led with 14 kills. Flom continued her impressive senior campaign, having 13 kills and a hitting percentage of .379 on the night.
Becca Pagel led the defense once again, with 20 digs.
Casey Volkmann was a staple on the defense as well, collecting nine digs and also serving two aces.
Tonight's victory extends WSU's record to 17-2 overall and 8-2 within the NSIC. The Warriors will be back home tomorrow, October 16, to take on the University of Sioux Falls at 4:00pm.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit:
www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
@WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics:
The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words:
Graduate Champions.
Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.
