Daytona Beach, Fla. – The University of Sioux Falls volleyball team wrapped up its opening weekend at the Bahama House Classic with a split on Saturday, falling to No. 6 MSU Denver before rebounding with a thrilling five-set win over (RV) Embry-Riddle. With the results, the Cougars return to Sioux Falls at 3-1 on the young season.
Match One: #6 MSU Denver 3, USF 1
USF pushed nationally-ranked MSU Denver but ultimately fell 17-25, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25. The Cougars hit .276 as a team, paced by
Aubrey Gates with 15 kills and a .308 hitting mark.
Sadie Voss added 13 kills and 12 digs for a double-double, while
Elise Gillen and
Liz Kopp combined for 40 assists to lead the offense
Match Two: USF 3, (RV) Embry-Riddle 2
The Cougars capped the weekend in dramatic fashion, outlasting host Embry-Riddle in five sets (25-19, 25-27, 25-27, 25-13, 15-13). USF hit .357 overall and dominated late, with nine kills on .692 hitting in the decisive fifth set.
Courtney Holsteen and Voss each tallied 13 kills, with Voss also posting 12 digs.
Haley Wolfe contributed 10 kills and a team-high eight blocks, while
Tatum Godinez added 11 kills and six blocks.
Gillen (26 assists, 12 digs) and Kopp (26 assists) directed a balanced offense, and libero
Maci Lerseth steadied the back row with 17 digs
Weekend Notes
Through four matches, USF showcased both balance and grit, out-killing opponents in three of four contests while establishing themselves as a force at the net. The Cougars now shift their focus back home as they prepare for the upcoming nonconference slate at the Rosella Meier UNK Fall Classic before opening NSIC play later this month.
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