By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls volleyball team (17-9, 12-6 NSIC) closes out its regular season at home this weekend with two key conference matchups. The Cougars will host Minot State on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. and wrap up the weekend against UMary on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. inside the Stewart Center where USF will recognize four outstanding seniors.
Riding Momentum
USF enters the final weekend of the regular season as one of the NSIC's hottest teams, having won seven straight matches — including road sweeps at Jamestown and No. 22 Northern State last weekend. Over the current stretch, the Cougars are hitting .281 as a team while averaging 13.6 kills, 12.7 assists, and 2.1 blocks per set.
Senior outside hitter Sadie Voss continues to lead the charge with 321 kills (3.38 per set) and a .272 hitting percentage, while also contributing 270 digs and 27 blocks. Courtney Holsteen (203 kills, .296 hitting) and Ella Walker (199 kills, .402 hitting) have been key in USF's balanced offensive attack. In the middle, Haley Wolfe provides a strong two-way presence with 141 kills and 90 total blocks, while setter Elise Gillen directs the offense with 557 assists (5.86 per set) and 29 service aces. Defensively, libero Maci Lerseth anchors the back row with 307 digs (3.53 per set).
Opponent Outlooks
Minot State (3-25 overall, 1-17 NSIC)
The Beavers enter the weekend led by Katelyn Onespot-Danforth, who has 173 kills (2.01 per set), and Caton Pearcy, who's added 171 kills and 267 digs this season. Setter Jaina Macaulay paces the offense with 374 assists (4.07 per set), while Paulina Kowalska and Mia Thompson bolster the attack and blocking core. Defensively, Minot averages 14.6 digs per set but hits just .082 as a team while allowing opponents to swing at .233.
UMary (6-20 overall, 3-15 NSIC)
The Marauders are anchored by sophomore outside Judith Burke with 287 kills (3.15 per set) and 313.5 points on the year. She's joined offensively by Dani Highum (257 kills, 2.82 K/S) and Holli Klettheimer (142 kills, .280 hitting). Setter Maddy Freed leads the Marauders with 463 assists (6.17 per set), while Katie Bleeker anchors the defense with 256 digs (2.88 per set). UMary hits .170 as a team and averages 11.1 kills per set, leaning heavily on Burke's production at the pin.
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