September 6, 2025

BISMARCK, N.D. – NAIA's nationally-ranked No. 24 Dakota State (S.D.) rebounded from a narrow second-set setback to defeat Bismarck State (N.D.) 3–1 (25-16, 32-34, 25-18, 25-12) in Frontier Conference volleyball action at the BSC Armory.  It was the first Frontier conference victory for the Trojans.  The Mystics are in their first-year with the NAIA and the Frontier Conference this season.

Match Summary
Dakota State (5-2 overall record, 1-1 Frontier record) controlled the opening set with efficient attacking, hitting .333 behind the steady setting of Maddi Langerock. The Trojans pulled away midway through the first set with a 10–3 run to establish control.

After a seesaw second set that extended to 34–32, Bismarck State capitalized on a handful of Trojan miscues to even the match.

Dakota State quickly regained momentum, jumping ahead 13–5 in the third and never looked back.  The Trojans cruised to a 25–18 win in the third.  In the final set, DSU surged ahead 12–3 and dominated with a 25–12 win to secure their first road victory of the season.

The Trojans finished with a .353 team hitting percentage while limiting the Mystics to just .149. DSU also won the defensive battle, tallying 64 digs to Bismarck State's 49, while outblocking the hosts 7–4.

Key Performers

• Halle Bruflat led all hitters with a season-high 17 kills while hitting .361, adding two blocks for 18.0 points.
• Macey Wathen delivered a strong two-way performance with 13 kills, five block assists, and 16.5 total points.
• Tristyn Maras hit .455 with 12 kills and three blocks.
• Lauryn Kloth and Sophie Tuttle combined for 18 kills, with Tuttle also contributing nine digs.
• Setter Maddi Langerock dished out a match-high 46 assists, guided the Trojans to a .353 team hitting percentage, and added eight kills herself.
• Libero Kate VanRooyan anchored the back row with 19 digs.

Bismarck State was led by Reese Duchsherer's 13 kills and Chelsa Krom's 10. Setter Kate Zimmer finished with 23 assists and two service aces, while libero Piper Harris recorded a match-high 22 digs.

As a team, Dakota State recorded 68 kills with just 15 errors on 150 swings, out-digging the Mystics 64–49 and finishing with seven team blocks. Bismarck State managed 45 kills but was held to a .149 hitting percentage.

Up Next
Dakota State remains on the road Wednesday as they visit their traveling partner No. 3 ranked Bellevue (Neb.).  First serve is set for 6 p.m. at new gym BU Fieldhouse.