September 1, 2018

SALINA, Kan. – Dakota State (S.D.) committed just five attack errors and recorded an impressive .407 hitting percentage, kicking off the LaQuinta/Kansas Wesleyan tournament with a 3-0 dominating victory over Stephens (Mo.) at Mabee Arena.

Dakota State improved their overall record to 1-1.  Stephens fell to 0-3 overall record.

The Trojans opened the first set by racing to a 9-3 lead and never trailed.  DSU hit .323 (13 kills with 3 errors in 31 attempts), rolling to a 25-14 set one victory.  The Stars were held to .115 hitting percentage (8 kills with 5 errors in 26 attempts).

Dakota State used another fast start in the second set, opening up a 7-2 lead.  Stephens could not get any closer than seven points as the Trojans cruised to a 25-10 set two win, earning a 2-0 match lead.  DSU hit an astounding .536 hitting efficiency (16 kills with 1 error in 28 attempts), while holding the Starts to .083 hitting percentage (7 kills with 5 errors in 24 attempts).

The Trojans roared to a 15-5 lead in the third set and secured the match in three straight sets.  DSU won the third set by the score of 25-11, thanks to Stars' 11 attack errors and minus .121 hitting percentage.  Dakota State hit .370 in the third set (11 kills with 1 error in 27 attempts).

Gabby Herlyn led the Trojans' office attack with nine kills.  Maddie Polzin and Samantha Zell each added eight kills.  Zell hit a match-high .727, while Polzin and Herlyn each hit .438.  Kaylee Spreier and Barbara Briceno each smashed six kills.

Rachel Johnson produced 32 set assists for DSU.  She also had nine digs.  Alwaise Villa collected 11 digs.

Spreier recorded five service aces for Dakota State.  Johnson and Peyton Groft each added two aces.

Herlyn posted six blocks (5 block assists) in the match for the Trojans.  Sprier had three block assists.  Zell registered two block assists.

Danielle Kirk registered 12 kills for the Stars.  Shelby Johnson had five kills.  Mya Middleton contributed a double-double of 17 assists and 12 digs.

Dakota State smashed 40 kills with 5 errors in 86 attempts (.407 hitting percentage).  Stephens was held to .012 hitting efficiency (22 kills with 21 errors in 83 attempts).

DSU continues their action tonight versus William Penn (Iowa).  First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director