September 27, 2025

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – (RV) Dakota State battled throughout but ultimately fell in straight sets to No. 4 ranked and Frontier Conference's leader Providence (Mont.) on Saturday afternoon at McLaughlin Center Gymnasium. The Argos defended their home court with a 25-18, 26-24, and 25-22 victory.

Dakota State fell to 9-5 overall record and 5-4 record in the league.  Providence extended their winning streak to 15 matches, raising their overall record 16-1.  The Argos remained as the lone undefeated team in the conference with 9-0 record. Set One Highlights
After trailing 9-4, the Trojans used kills from Halle Bruflat and Tristyn Maras to close within 10-10. The Argos, however, rattled off a decisive stretch highlighted by Cabry Taylor and Bella Green to regain control. Despite late points from Macey Wathen and Bruflat, Providence closed out the first set 25-18.
  Set Two Highlights
The second frame was the most dramatic of the afternoon, featuring 16 ties and nine lead changes. Dakota State grabbed a 21-19 advantage behind timely kills from Maras and Sophie Tuttle. Dayncia Witzel added a service ace to keep momentum on the Trojans' side, forcing the Argos into a timeout.

Providence answered with steady setting from Bella Thompson and kills by Sadie Giles and Martyna Fiedler, clawing back to 23-23. The set extended beyond regulation, but a late kill by Fiedler sealed the 26-24 win for Providence.
  Set Three Highlights
Dakota State refused to fold, pushing Providence deep into the third set. Macey Wathen, Bruflat, and Maras sparked an offensive rhythm, while Maddi Langerock directed the attack with 31 assists on the night. The Trojans trimmed the deficit to 23-22 after a block by Lauryn Kloth and Maras, but Providence closed the match with back-to-back points, capped by Giles' ninth kill of the day, to secure a 25-22 decision.
  By the Numbers

• Dakota State posted 38 kills on .125 hitting efficiency. Maras paced the Trojans with 10 kills (.409), followed by Macey Wathen with 9 and Bruflat with 8.
• Langerock distributed 31 assists and added 9 digs.
• Defensively, the Trojans recorded 62 digs, led by Kate VanRooyan (15) and Reagan VanRooyan (14). Kloth contributed a team-high 4 block assists as DSU tallied 5 total team blocks.
• Providence countered with 41 kills, led by Fiedler (10) and Bella Green (10). The Argos controlled the net with 13 team blocks, while libero Kyra Saiers anchored the defense with 17 digs. Thompson guided the offense with 35 assists.

Up Next
Dakota State kicks off their season-high Frontier Conference five-match home stand at DSU Fieldhouse Wednesday evening.  The Trojans host Valley City State (N.D.) in the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night at 6 p.m.