September 30, 2015

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Photos by Kaden Huntrods, Donald Weidler, Tyler Flaagan

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State (S.D.) outhit Grace (Neb.) 42-26 in the match Wednesday evening at DSU Fieldhouse, kicking off Trojans' eight-match home stand with a 3-0 dominating victory.  The Trojans ended the month of September by winning their eighth match in the last nine matches with scores of 25-21, 25-16 and 25-14 over the Royals.

Dakota State improved their overall record to 12-10, remaining undefeated 2-0 record at home.  Grace fell to 9-11 overall record.

GU jumped to a 4-0 early lead in the opening set, but the Trojans responded back with a 4-0 run to tie at 4-4.  Grace and Dakota State went through eight ties and three lead changes throughout the first set where the Trojans went on for a 1-0 match lead with a 25-21 victory.  DSU hit .244 (15 kills with 5 errors in 41 attempts) compared to GU .154 hitting percentage (11 kills with 5 errors in 39 attempts).

The Trojans raced to a 9-2 lead in the second set, cruising to a 25-16 victory for a 2-0 match lead.  DSU hit a set-high .297, pounding 14 kills with 3 errors in 37 attempts in the second set.  Grace was held to .027 hitting efficiency (9 kills with 8 errors in 37 attempts).

Dakota State had the biggest lead of the match at 22-9 in the third set and secured the match with a 25-14 victory.  The Royals were held to minus .030 hitting percentage (6 kills with 7 errors in 33 attempts).  DSU had 13 kills with 4 errors in 39 attempts (.231 hitting percentage).

Carly Rozell, Tessa Weeldreyer and McKenzie Werner each smashed eight kills for the Trojans.  Kirstin Johnson added six kills.  Kaylee Vander Wal produced 18 set assists, while Rachel Johnson had 12 assists.

Chelsey Davis led Dakota State's defense with 19 digs.  Allison Thielsen added nine digs.

Thielsen and Mackenzie Schultz each recorded two service aces for DSU.  Kirstin Johnson, Weeldreyer and Werner each registered two block assists.

Taylor Thompson posted a double-double of 12 kills and 12 digs for Grace.  Amber Carlson recorded a match-high 25 assists.  Chloe Corbett collected 19 digs.  Ariana Zuccaro had 12 digs.

Dakota State hit .256 (42 kills with 12 errors in 117 attempts) in the match compared to Grace .055 hitting efficiency (26 kills with 20 errors in 109 attempts).

DSU had five service aces, but committed eight service errors 74 attempts for a service percentage of .892.  Grace served 88.5 percent with six service errors in 52 attempts. 

GU recorded five blocks compared to DSU four blocks.

The Trojans won the junior varsity contest over the Royals in three sets (25-15, 24-26, 15-10).

Dakota State continues their eight-match home stand at DSU Fieldhouse as they return back to North Star Athletic Association conference action.  The Trojans host Jamestown (N.D.) with a junior varsity match at 5:30 p.m. followed by a varsity match at 7 p.m.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director