After having success at the Vikings Classics last year, the women’s volleyball team looks to repeat being undefeated for the tournament held at the Roy J. Carver Center on Sept. 18.
This year the volleyball team will be competing against St. Thomas College and Dubuque College’s junior varsity and varsity teams.
One major difference for this year’s Viking Classic is that there will only be four teams, compared to the eight teams that competed last year.
Last year, Augustana won four out of four of their tournament games. This tied with Hamline who also won four out of four in the tournaments.
Two main players from Augustana College were on the 2014 All-Tournament Team, Emily Leazer and Jacqueline Kirbir-Evans, as well as other players from different colleges. Leaser was MVP for the tournament.
Head coach Kelly Bethke is awaiting the competition at the upcoming Vkiking Classic.
“I am looking forward to the competition at this tournament. St. Thomas is currently ranked in the top twenty-five in the nation and Dubuque always gives us a tough match,” Bethke said.
One major confidence boost for the Vikings will be their recently won match against Wartburg College on the eighth.
Senior and captain of the women’s volleyball team Kylie Siebert felt the win was a big advantage for the Vikings.
“The win against Warburg was huge. Lots of people really stepped up and that was very exciting for us,” Siebert said. “We have a very tough schedule so to come from behind and take that game really showed what we are capable of.”
The win against Wartburg College helped the Vikings to even their record at 3-3.
Bethke was pleased with the results from Wartburg, but was also ready for small improvements for the team and for a stronger first set in their play.
Bethke said that it’s nice to have a week of practice before any tournament, The team focuses on individual improvement as well as overall cooperation for their practices. The team gets to break things apart and, “work on individual skills such as blocking and our serve receive offense.” They also take this opportunity as a chance for some players to rest who have had some difficult injuries in the past due to previous games.
Siebert is optimistic about the teams’ potential for the Viking Classic.
“There is lots of talent on this team and it’s really unique when you can put anyone on the court. The dynamic and level of play stays the same,” Siebert said.