SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — RV Dakota Wesleyan Volleyball traveled down to Iowa to face the Dordt Defenders in a cruicial GPAC matchup as the postseason draws near.
The Tigers and Defenders traded points as the contest got underway, with DWU taking the first major scoring run of the set to force a timeout from Dordt after claiming a 10-7 lead. A series of attack errors and an ace from Salamasina Nu'u got DWU out to a hot start, and Dordt did battle back to eventually reclaim the lead, but the Tiger offense came to life once again at the end of the frame. The attack was spearheaded by Evy Knoblock, who led the contest in kills with 11, followed by Lily Ranschau and Karly VanDerWerff, who tacked on nine kills apiece. VanDerWerff also led the team in blocks with six, having a good performance after not participating in the team's previous contest. Both teams continued to trade blows into the final points of the set, and after forcing extra points, Dakota Wesleyan went up 1-0 following a kill from Nu'u to win the first frame, 28-26.
The second set saw the Defenders gain the upper hand early, forcing the Tigers to have to battle back into the frame. Contributions offensively from Madisyn Grimsrud became more prevalent as Dakota Wesleyan fought to tie the game back up. Grimsrud recorded four kills and two blocks and was assisted at the net by Emily Dale and Knoblock, who each contributed three blocks of their own to add an even more imposing presence at the net alongside VanDerWerff. Kayleigh Hybertson once again led the team in assists with 31 to get the offense in proper scoring position, and after tying the second set back up at 11-11, it was clear that the offense was fully back in rhythm. Dordt rattled off a final scoring run to attempt to force extra points, but a kill from VanDerWerff sealed set two by a score of 25-23.
The momentum from the first two set wins for Dakota Wesleyan carried into the third and final frame of the contest as the Tigers jumped out to an early 9-2 lead. DWU kept a steady pace for the entirety of the set, and a stout defensive effort prevented Dordt from finding a way back into the frame. Elizabeth Tyler led the way defensively, flying all around the court and recording 22 digs in total, and would be aided by Presly Pastian and Carlee Laubach, who combined for 15 total digs as well. Hybertson, alongside Abigail Zegar, also contributed seven digs each as the Tigers cruised to a 25-17 win in the final set, successfully sweeping the Defenders. The win marked head coach Lindsay Wilber's career victory with the program as she continues to solidify her legacy at Dakota Wesleyan, but there is still work to do for the Tigers as the postseason approaches. The Tigers move to 16-10 on the season and 9-6 in GPAC play.
DWU Volleyball will close the regular season on the road against Briar Cliff on Tuesday, November 4th, at 7:30 PM. More details will be available regarding postseason play here.