Winona, Minn. - The Winona State University volleyball team faced off against Minot State University in an NSIC match that saw WSU claim a three-set victory on Friday, Oct. 6 in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
Winona State started off the contest strong with a commanding 11-1 lead with Sidney Paulson, Gianna Vollrath, and Jayda Berg all chipping in with kills early. Minot State came back with four straight points, but WSU's team effort rallied back with two service aces by Rylee Vaughn to finish off set one.
In the second stanza, the Warriors started where they left off to earn a comfortable cushion with a 20-11 scoreline, before Kenna Kornely finished the set off with two WSU kills.
in set three, WSU battled with Minot State, going back and forth before MSU gained an early lead 14-7. However, Joe Getzin's side regrouped and the Warriors battled back with seven straight points before finishing off set three 25-22.
in the end, Winona State (12-4, 5-3 NSIC) outclassed Minot State (2-14, 1-7 NSIC) for the key NSIC victory.
THE KEY DETAILS
Final Score: Winona State, 3, Minot State 0 (25-9, 25-15, 25-22)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Warriors came out strong and gained a commanding lead with Minot State not having an answer for the Warriors attack. WSU's offensive dominance led to a 25-9 set one win.
Winona State opened set two with a similar attacking mindset, putting away the Beavers early and not letting up. Although Minot State gained some rhythm as the set wore on, it wasn't enough to deter the home side. The Warriors took set two 25-15.
In the final frame, it was a back-and-forth battle early on, with Minot State taking a convincing lead 14-7. Following a timeout, the WSU frontline regrouped and became too much for the Beavers with the Warriors getting seven straight points. The WSU reset allowed the Warriors to go on to take the set 25-22.
As a team, Winona State held a .293 hitting percentage and racked up an impressive 38 kills in the match. Minot State finished the contest with 26 kills and the Warriors held MSU to a .069 hitting percentage on the night.
WINONA STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
Kenna Kornely, 10 Kills
Jayda Berg, 10 Kills
Jaci Winchell, 27 Assists
Sidney Paulson, 15 digs
Rylee Vaughn, 3 Aces
UP NEXT
Winona State returns home tomorrow for a matchup against the University of Mary Saturday Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. WSU and UMary will face off in McCown Gymnasium, home of WNB Financial Court.
