From VCSU Athletics (Photo Credit: Clara Wieland/VCSU)
VALLEY CITY, ND (vcsuvikings.com) – Valley City State volleyball freshman Danielle Hagler posted a career-best 14 kills and tied a career-high six blocks to help the Vikings to a victory over Dakota State Friday night. VCSU defeated the Trojans in four sets in at home, 25-22, 14-25, 25-23 and 25-19.
“We had the most attacks we’ve ever had in a four-set match and it’s huge because it means we were playing good defense and getting touches on the block. We also serve received really well,” said head coach Brigitte Greywater.
“It was an important game for us to win, and more important that we won in four. I think our team is showing themselves what they’re capable of and I’m so proud of them,” she added.
VCSU improves to 8-8 overall and 3-1 in the NSAA. Dakota State, who is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, falls to 11-10 on the season and 2-2 in the NSAA.
The Vikings opened with a strong first set, pounding 16 kills en route to a 25-22 victory to kick off the match. Dakota State responded with a commanding 25-14 victory in set two, tallying 17 kills on a .317 attack percentage.
From there, the Vikings found a way to edge the Trojans in the third set after pulling ahead 23-19 on a Bailey Nelson and Danielle Hagler block. DSU pulled back into it with four of the next five points, but Hagler put away the set on an unassisted kill, 25-23.
The Vikings then opened the fourth set with an early 17-12 lead. Three straight kills from DSU’s Sydney Schell prompted a VCSU timeout. After a quick regroup, the Vikings took a 5-2 run to lead 22-17, and rounded out the match on a big block from sisters Bailey Nelson and Morgan Nelson.
Bailey Nelson led the Vikings with 16 kills Friday while Emma Lucas totaled 9 kills, and Morgan Nelson and Morgan Freije each posted six.
Sadie Hansen finished with 46 set assists and 19 digs for VCSU. Delani Clarke totaled a career-best 20 digs Friday, and JayCee Richter added a team-best 29 digs and four service aces.
Dakota State’s Sydney Schell totaled 22 kills and 22 digs, and Hannah Viet chipped in 17 kills Friday. Madalyn Groft totaled 36 assists and Maddi Langerock finished with 17 assists. Groft and Langerock added 13 digs apiece, and Peyton Groft finished with a game-best 40 digs for the Trojans.
UP NEXT: VCSU hosts #14 Bellevue for another conference match on Saturday at 1 p.m. VCSU will also recognize all Viking Volleyball alumni in attendance Saturday.
You can listen to the game on 1490AM/96.3FM KOVC or on NewsDakota.com