SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The No. 8 Winona State volleyball team had their backs against the wall but came out victorious in a five-set thriller over Augustana University, 3-2 (25-18, 15-25, 25-18, 29-31, 17-15).

The Warriors got off to a hot start, building a 3-0 lead early in the first set. The Vikings fought back to tie it up at 5-5, but Bre Maloney won a joust at the net on the following point to spark a WSU 6-1 run and force an Augustana timeout at 11-6. Winona State hung onto their lead and took the opening set 25-18.

Augustana bounced back in the second set and took a commanding 6-1 early lead to force a Winona State timeout. The Warriors pulled it within two during the set, but the Vikings were able to extend their lead once again. Augustana ended up winning the second set 25-15 to tie the match at 1-1.

In the pivotal third set, the Warriors were able to jump out to a 6-1 lead and force an Augustana timeout. An ace by Becca Pagel out of the timeout kept all of the momentum with the Warriors as they extended their lead to 11-2. WSU fought of an AU comeback and took a 2-1 lead after winning the set 25-18.

Winona State was able to build a strong lead early during the fourth set, forcing Augustana to burn their second timeout at 12-4. The Vikings rattled off eight of the next 10 points to bring the Augustana crowd alive. AU continued to battle back and took the lead 24-21. WSU won four straight points to earn a set-point but was unable to finish it off. After each team served for the set several times, Augustana finally won the set 31-29.

The deciding and final fifth set was as exciting as possible. Winona State was able to jump to an early 8-3 lead and seemed to be in the driver's seat before Augustana won 11 of the next 13 points to go up 14-10. A Sidney Paulson kill earned the Warriors the following point, and stingy defense by the Warriors forced four consecutive Augustana attack errors, which gave WSU a match point of their own. After the Vikings saved the match point, kills by Megan Flom and Lydia Lange ended things at 17-15 and sent the Warriors to the NSIC Volleyball Tournament championship match.

Paulson had a very impressive night, leading the Warriors with 18 kills and eight blocks, along with picking up 10 digs. Flom (12) and Madison Larson (10) also connected for double-figure kills. Bre Maloney was key for WSU as she dished out 46 assists, corralled 13 digs, and knocked down five kills. Becca Pagel led the Winona State defense with 19 digs and also contributed with three service aces. Madison Rizner was a force at the net, collecting eight total blocks.

The Warriors advance to the championship match against St. Cloud State, which will be held tomorrow at 3pm in Sioux Falls, S.D. at the Sanford Pentagon.

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.