Box Score
As the Augustana volleyball team was digging for a cure for breast cancer, it was Winona State who could not find a cure for the Vikings' solid offensive attack as Augie rolled to its seventh-straight victory, defeating Winona State in three sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-20, Saturday in the Elmen Center.
The match was part of Augustana's Dig for a Cure promotion to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Both teams wore pink jerseys and fans could purchase pink t-shirts. Augie officials estimated the event raised approximately $3,000.
The 22nd-ranked Vikings improved to 18-6 overall and 10-1 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference as they won for the 10th time in 11 matches. Winona State, meanwhile, fell to 7-12 overall and 5-5 in the NSIC.
Again, the Vikings featured a strong offensive attack. Augustana hit .274 for the match while limiting Winona State to a .195 attack percentage. Each team had 15 errors, but Augustana had a 47-37 edge in kills.
In all 3 sets the Vikings were stronger team at the end of the set. In the opening set, Augustana was clinging to a 21-20 lead before going on a 4-1 run to close out the set. In the second set, the Vikings led 19-16 before using a 6-3 run to take a 2-set lead.
The third set was close throughout. The score was tied seven times, the last coming at 17-17. Augustana scored three-straight points to take a 20-17 lead. Following a WSU point, the Vikings scored three more points on a pair of kills by
Cayla Schroeder and another by
Ellen Andrews to push the lead to 23-18. Moments later, Schroeder scored the final two points of the match with a kill and service ace.
Schroeder and Andrews paced Augustana with 11 kills apiece.
Kati Newgard was the third Viking in double figures with 10 kills to go along with a .471 attack percentage.
Jenna Hultgren was the only Augie player in double figures in digs with 16 while
Lisa Hoegh dished out 44 assists.
Augustana will be on the road next week. The Vikings play at No. 5 Southwest Minnesota State on Friday at 7 p.m. and at Minnesota State University, Mankato, on Saturday at 4 p.m.