By: Madie Brink
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fresh off a strong finish to the regular season, the University of Sioux Falls Volleyball team advances to the quarterfinals of the NSIC Volleyball Tournament, traveling to face No. 22 Minnesota State on tonight, Tuesday, November 18th, at 6 p.m. in Mankato.
Riding Momentum
USF enters postseason play on a tear, having won nine straight matches to close the regular season at 19-9 overall and 14-6 in the NSIC to finish fifth in the conference, its best conference finish since joining Division II. The Cougars capped their run with dominant sweeps over Minot State and UMary last weekend, hitting a combined .369 while holding Minot and Mary to just a -.023 and .099 attack. Of the past nine victories, USF has produced six, 3-0 sweeps including a road win over then No. 22 Northern State. Sioux Falls has also picked up four ranked victories over No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State, No. 17 Southwest Minnesota State, No. 21 Minnesota Duluth, and No. 22 Northern state while landing six wins over teams receiving votes or higher.
USF is making its eighth NSIC Tournament appearance since 2013 and its fourth straight trip, qualifying in 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022. The Cougars also reached the conference tournament in 2018, 2016, 2014, and 2013.
For the season, USF is hitting an impressive .283, averaging 13.5 kills, 12.6 assists, and 2.2 blocks per set, while holding opponents to a .202 hitting percentage. Sioux Falls sits second in the NSIC in attacking percentage and total blocks while sitting seventh in all of NCAA DII in attack. The Cougars' balance, depth, and improved defensive consistency have fueled their strong close to the year — and they now turn their attention to a rematch with one of the league's top teams.
Cougar Leaders to Watch
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Sadie Voss (Sr., OH): One of the NSIC's most complete players, Voss leads USF with 339 kills (3.36 K/S) and 381.5 points, while adding 288 digs and 30 blocks.
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Courtney Holsteen (Sr., RS): A steady force at the net with 218 kills (.305) and 59 blocks.
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Ella Walker (R-Fr., MB): Enjoying a breakout year with 215 kills and an elite, conference leading .409 hitting percentage.
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Haley Wolfe (R-So., MB): Defensive anchor with 98 total blocks (1.02 B/S) and .323 hitting.
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Elise Gillen (Sr., S): Directs the offense with 599 assists (5.93 A/S) and a team-leading 37 aces.
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Maci Lerseth (Fr., L): Back-row leader with 324 digs (3.48 D/S).
Opponent Outlook
No. 22 Minnesota State (23-5 overall, 15-5 NSIC)
The Mavericks rank among the conference leaders in hitting percentage (.254), kills per set (13.9), aces per set (2.47), and blocks per set (2.0), showcasing a balanced and efficient style of play. Their offense is powered by a trio of high-level attackers, including Avery Klein (3.07 kills per set), Avery Rosenberg (2.93 kills per set), and Emily Kern, who hits .301 while adding 89 total blocks. Setter Jadyn Lester drives one of the NSIC's fastest and most controlled offenses with 1,011 assists (11.04 per set), while libero Ellie Kline anchors MSU's back row with 478 digs (5.20 per set). The Mavericks also pose a significant threat from the service line, compiling 227 aces this season — one of the highest totals in Division II. MSU won the regular-season meeting in early October, but with USF entering on a nine-match winning streak, the quarterfinal rematch sets up as a compelling postseason battle.
How to Follow
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