Box Score

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Despite a 17-kill performance from junior Jordan Schaffer, the Northern State University Wolves were unable to overcome a .115 hitting percentage and four double-digit kill performances by the Winona State University Warriors on Friday, falling 3-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference volleyball action.  The Warriors staved off several valiant come-back attempts in the fourth set to claim the 25-18, 20-25, 25-17, 27-25 victory.

With the loss, NSU slips to 7-8 overall and 2-5 in conference play, while the Warriors improved to 5-13 on the season and 3-4 in NSIC action.

WSU bolted out of the gates with a 5-1 lead to open the first set before the Wolves were able to gain a foothold.  NSU used five kills from both Schaffer and fellow junior Kayla Ysteboe to come back, forcing five ties through the middle portion of that set, the last coming at 15-all, before the Warriors put on the brakes and pulled away for the win.

The Warriors then pulled the same trick to open the second set, opening a 10-1 lead early, but watched the Wolves regain their footing.  NSU got a pair of service aces and three total blocks in that set, but benefited heavily from poor hitting by the Warriors, who managed just a .047 hitting percentage in the set.

Following the break, Winona showed renewed vigor in set three, building a steady lead throughout the set and forcing the Wolves to hit into three Warrior blocks in that set.

The fourth and final set of the night provided the most of the night's drama.  The Wolves built a 6-3 lead early, but could not pull away, as neither team led by more than three.  The set also featured 14 total ties, including several late ties set up by timely kills from Schaffer, Yesteboe and reserve outside hitter Amber Bloom.

A late ball-handling call and a kill from WSU's Kelsey Penebaker, however, proved to be the decisive calls, giving the Warriors the set and the match.

Schaffer finished the match with 17 digs, 17 kills and only two attack errors, while Ysteboe added 16 kills on the front lines.  Freshman libero Stephanie Drake notched 31 digs for the Wolves, while junior setter Megan Gilbraith had 27 digs and 39 assists.

Penebaker had 15 kills to lead the way for Winona.

The Wolves remain at home to face Upper Iowa on Saturday afternoon.  The Peacocks took a straight-set road win over the University of Mary on Friday.  First serve tomorrow is set for 4 p.m. in Wachs Arena.