WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University women's volleyball team squared off against #21 Northern State University on Saturday, October 12, defeating the Wolves in four sets in a closely contested match.

The Warriors played in front a big Homecoming crowd, rallying behind them to show true grit in sets three and four to take the match 3-1 against the Wolves.

Stat Leaders:  

• Lydia Lange led the Warriors in kills with 15.  
• Sidney Paulson and Quinn Robak chipped in 12 kills apiece.  
• Kylie Welch gathered 21 digs in the match.  
• Leading WSU in blocks was Gianna Vollrath and Jayda Berg with 3 each.  
• Jaci Winchell led WSU with 31 assists in the match. 

Set one:
The Warriors used the homecoming crowd to jump out to an early 14-9 lead with a kill by Lydia Lange, leading to an NSU timeout. Northern State would keep the Warriors from gaining any momentum with head coach Brent Aldridge taking a second timeout at 19-15. Winona State would go on to trade blows with the Wolves until a kill by Morisson Samuels would tie the set at 22-22. The Warriors would eventually end set one on a 3-1 run highlighted by a kill from Gianna Vollrath, winning 25-23.

Set two:
Northern State would strike first in set number two and jump out to an early 5-9 lead before a Joe Getzin timeout. The Wolves would eventually go on a 12-2 run leading to another WSU timeout. Fighting uphill would have the Warriors drop set two with a kill by Natalie Szybinska at 25-13.

Set three:
WSU would get on the board first with a kill by Lydia Lange. Winona State and the Wolves would trade points for most of set three. Coming down to the wire, head coach Joe Getzin would successfully use a challenge to tie the set at 24-24, with the Warriors taking the next two points, stealing set three 26-24 behind true team grit on all cylinders.

Set four:
In another closely contested match, WSU would take a 14-11 lead before NSU would take a timeout to regather. The Wolves would use the timeout and fight to tie the game back at 21 apiece. The Wolves would take the lead at 25-24, but the Warriors would score the final three points of the set and match, ending with a block by Abigail Savatski, with the Warriors winning 27-25.

Winona State (12-8, 5-4 NSIC) is next in action on Friday, October 18 where they face off against #7 Southwest Minnesota State (17-1, 8-1 NSIC) in Marshall, Minn.


For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.

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