September 25, 2015

FOREST CITY, Iowa – Strong hitting paved the way as Dakota State (S.D.) powered past Waldorf (Iowa) in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) contest Friday evening at Hanson Fieldhouse.  The Trojans committed just 8 attack errors in the match while the Warriors suffered 25 attack errors in DSU's 3-0 sweep over WC (25-15, 25-20 and 25-22).

Dakota State extended their season-best winning streak to seven matches, which is the first time in more than two decades that the Trojans had won seven consecutive matches (DSU had won 11 straight matches in 1994).  DSU improved their overall record to 11-9 and remained undefeated in NSAA conference action with a 4-0 record (1-0 NSAA South Division).  Waldorf fell to 4-18 overall record and 1-3 NSAA record (0-2 NSAA South Division).

The Trojans hit an impressive .423 in the opening set, dominating the Warriors by the score of 25-15.  DSU had 12 kills with 1 error in 26 attempts.  WC hit .000 in the first set after recording 7 kills with 7 errors in 27 attempts.

Trailing 19-18 in the second set, Dakota State closed the set strong with a 7-1 scoring run for a 25-20 victory and 2-0 match lead over Waldorf.

DSU used another fast start with a 9-3 lead in the third set.  Waldorf trimmed DSU's lead to 23-22, but the Trojans closed the match with a kill by Tessa Weeldreyer and Alicia Karst for a 25-22 third set win.

Karst led Dakota State's attack with 10 kills and hitting percentage of .444.  Weeldreyer added 9 kills and recorded a hitting efficiency of .500.  Kirstin Johnson and Carly Rozell provided six kills each.

Kaylee Vander Wal produced a match-high 23 set assists for the Trojans.  Rachel Johnson added nine assists.

Chelsey Davis registered 15 digs for DSU.  Rozell added 13 digs. 

Rachel Johnson and Davis each had two service aces for Dakota State.  Weeldreyer recorded four block assists.

Kaitlyn Monck led the Warriors with 16 assists and 9 kills.  Valerie Rivera added 14 assists.  Abby Buehler and Kayla Budgins each had nine kills.

Briley Sullivan collected 22 digs for Waldorf.  Erica Fee had two service aces.

Dakota State hit .261 in the match (37 kills with 8 errors in 111 attempts) compared to Waldorf .089 hitting percent (36 kills with 25 errors in 124 attempts).

The Trojans had five blocks while the Warriors recorded three blocks.

Dakota State continues their NSAA conference action Saturday afternoon as they visit the nationally-ranked No. 2 Viterbo (Wis.), who remained undefeated this season after defeating Presentation (S.D.) Friday night.  There will be a junior varsity match at 1 p.m., followed by a varsity match at 3 p.m.  Both matches will be held at R.W. Beggs Gymnasium in La Crosse, Wis.  Waldorf host Presentation on the same day.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director