The Vikings beat Carroll 3-0 and led the team to another conference victory on Wednesday Sept. 25.
Augustana started off with several successful kills leading within the first few minutes of the game. Junior, Jessica Nguyen held down a strong defense; popping up dig after dig. Carroll came back to tie the score 16-16 which led to a Viking’s timeout. First year Ja’Nva Davis sealed the deal with a final kill for the Vikings. A team error by the pioneers concluded the first set of the night 26-24. Davis stated, “A personal goal I set for myself as a defensive specialist/libero is to be able to dig more balls and bring some energy onto the court. Passing more balls with better ball control makes it easier for my teammates to put the ball away and get kills. This is a team sport, so I try to do what I can to play my part in achieving our team goals this season.” Going into the second set the Vikings were ready to take on the Pioneers once again.
A strong start by senior, Grace Bialobok as she gained a point for the team with a solid kill. Throughout the entirety of the game Bialobok hit nine successful kills. With both teams staying consistent, Augustana barely leading at 12-11, the energy in the auditorium began to increase. The Vikings take charge and soon merge a five point gap with a score of now 18-13. Davis once again comes around to successfully execute a strong kill for the Vikings. Carroll is taken back by an attack error, ending the second set.
Senior Brooke Keegan led the team with a kill followed by a firm block. Junior Taylor Curley added another point to the Viking’s score with a kill and senior Madi Glatz popped up a few good digs to set the score at 16-6; Augie leading. Glatz states, ” “One of our team goals is to make the conference tournament again and make it farther than last year. We also are trying to make improvements every single day whether it is at practice, a game, or team bonding.” Senior Brooke Harmon swung a solid middle kill placing the score at 22-10. Harmon discusses what the team has been working towards and they plan on achieving those goals, “One of our values of the team is tenacity which is basically getting back up when things get hard and always pushing through the hard times in the match. Bouncing back from the other team having a big run or winning a set is something we struggle with sometimes, but telling your teammates you believe in them is something that goes a long way.” Ending the game 25-15 was Carroll with a service error.
The Vikings will continue their season with another win under their belt. The team’s next game will take place away against Illinois Wesleyan on Friday Oct. 4.