SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls Volleyball team delivered one of its biggest wins in recent history on Tuesday night, outlasting No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State in a five-set thriller (25-22, 29-27, 20-25, 11-25, 15-6) at the Stewart Center. The victory handed the Mustangs just their second loss of the season and lifted the Cougars to 7-4 overall and 2-1 in NSIC play.
A Statement Win
USF came out firing, taking the opening set 25-22 behind a balanced offensive attack and timely blocks. The Cougars showed resilience in set two, rallying late to pull out a dramatic 29-27 win and put the nationally ranked Mustangs on their heels.
Though SMSU stormed back to even the match with convincing wins in sets three and four, Sioux Falls regrouped in the decisive fifth, racing out to an early lead and never looking back in a dominant 15-6 clincher.
The victory is the latest proof that Cougar Volleyball continues to prove itself in the always-competitive NSIC.
Cougar Leaders
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Aubrey Gates was unstoppable, racking up a match- and career-high 20 kills on .375 hitting while adding a block assist.
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Courtney Holsteen and Ella Walker each chipped in 10 kills apiece, with Holsteen hitting nearly .300 on the night.
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Setter Elise Gillen directed the offense with 28 assists and added 8 digs while Hollie Peterson tabbed 22 assists and 13 digs.
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Maci Lerseth provided a spark on defense, tallying a team-best 23 digs.
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At the net, Haley Wolfe contributed 7 kills and 5 block assists, while Tatum Godinez added 4 blocks of her own with 4 kills.
As a team, USF totaled 63 kills, 62 assists, 87 digs, and 9 total blocks, while also posting 5 service aces in the match.
Up Next
The Cougars continue NSIC play this weekend when they host Minnesota Crookston Friday night at 6pm in the Stewart Center followed by MSU Moorhead on Saturday at 2pm for Junior Cougar Club Day.
