VALLEY CITY, ND (NewsDakota.com, photo courtesy of vcsuvikings.com) Viking volleyball may be ready to call the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse, “Graichen West”.

In front of a full house at the Bubble, the Vikings swept the rival Mayville State Comets 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 28-28) to win their fifth straight match, all in straight sets.

With both teams returning the core of their personnel from a year ago, the win was a definitive result after three five-set matches a year ago, two of those tipping Mayville State’s way.

Eight blocks in the first set established a tone for the night, aiding the Vikings in overcoming a sluggish hitting performance.  VCSU took the set with just a 0.061 hitting percentage.

Final blocking numbers favored the Vikings 21-8 for the night.  When the Vikings hit well, they were dominant, leading 20-9 in the second.  A late blocking effort from Danielle Hagler and Emma Lucas saved a Comet set point in the third to preserve the sweep.

Bailey Nelson led the offense with 13 kills.  Sadie Hansen, the reigning Setter of the Week, added 32 assists to her season, while her 16 dogs were a team high.

The Vikings are now 2-0 in NSAA play.  They host sixth-ranked Viterbo next Friday.