BISMARCK, N.D. (USF ATHLETICS) – The University of Sioux Falls Volleyball team put together its most efficient offensive performance of the season Friday night, sweeping the University of Mary 3-0 inside the McDowell Activity Center for its first NSIC victory of the season.
The Cougars hit .385 for the match and committed just 10 attacking errors while cruising to wins of 25-18 and 25-10 before battling through a 27-25 third-set victory. Sioux Falls improved to 5-11 overall and 1-7 in NSIC play with the win, while UMary moved to 4-12 and 2-6 in conference action.
The Basics
Final: Sioux Falls 3, UMary 0Set Scores: 25-18, 25-10, 27-25Records: Sioux Falls 5-11 (1-7 NSIC) | UMary 4-12 (2-6 NSIC)Location: McDowell Activity Center | Bismarck, N.D.
How It Happened
Sioux Falls wasted little time taking control of the opening set. The Cougars scored seven of the first eight points, with kills from Abby Haus, Haley Wolfe and Ella Walker helping USF establish the early advantage. UMary eventually trimmed the lead to 15-9, but Sioux Falls never allowed the Marauders to get closer than six the rest of the way. Walker provided a late kill before a UMary attack error finished off the 25-18 opening-set victory. USF hit .400 with 13 kills in the frame.
The Cougars were even better in the second. After UMary scored the first two points, Sioux Falls responded with four straight and never trailed again. USF built its lead to 14-6 before closing the frame on a dominant 11-4 stretch. Lucy Larson helped fuel the finishing run from the service line as the Cougars scored the final six points, including three consecutive Walker kills to close out a 25-10 win. Sioux Falls hit .500 with 14 kills and just one attacking error while recording six blocks in the set.
UMary made its push in the third, turning a 9-6 deficit into an 11-9 advantage. Sioux Falls answered with a 6-1 run later in the frame to move ahead 17-13, but the Marauders battled back again and eventually took a 24-22 lead. The Cougars fought off two set points, tying the frame at 24-24 on a Wolfe kill. After the teams traded points, Wolfe tied it again at 25 before Aubrey Gates put USF ahead with a kill. A UMary attack error followed to complete the comeback and secure the sweep, 27-25.
Key Cougars
Haley Wolfe turned in a dominant performance, leading Sioux Falls with 13 kills without committing an attack error on 18 swings for a .722 hitting percentage. Wolfe also added six blocks, including one solo, and a service ace to finish with a match-high 17.5 points.
Abby Haus added 12 kills on .381 hitting with four blocks, while Ella Walker finished with 10 kills and just one error on 18 attacks for a .500 hitting percentage. Walker matched Wolfe with six total blocks.
Hollie Peterson directed the offense with 36 assists while adding six digs and two blocks. Maci Lerseth anchored the back row with a match-high 15 digs.
By the Numbers
Sioux Falls hit a season-best .385 with 45 kills and just 10 attacking errors.
USF hit .400 in the opening set, .500 in the second and .300 in the third.
The Cougars held UMary to .099 hitting for the match.
Sioux Falls dominated at the net with 13 total blocks compared to three for the Marauders.
Wolfe, Haus and Walker combined for 35 of The Coo’s 45 kills while hitting .614 with just five errors on 57 attacks.
Wolfe’s .722 hitting percentage led the Cougars, while Walker hit .500 and Haus finished at .381.
USF finished with 41 digs compared to 32 for UMary.
Up Next
The Cougars will head to Minot State on Saturday for a noon matchup against the Beavers. USF will return home October 9-10 to host Northern State and Jamestown.
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