Box Score (.pdf)

The Northern State volleyball team picked up its first victory over a ranked opponent Saturday as the Wolves defeated 16^th-ranked Augustana three sets to one in Sioux Falls.

After dropping a hard-fought first set 28-26, the Wolves (12-4, 5-3 NSIC) responded strongly to take the next three over their rivals, winning 25-19, 25-17 and 25-23. Northern blistered the ball offensively hitting .357 as a team while Augustana (12-4, 5-3 NSIC) hit .276 for the match.

After a back-and-forth opening set, Northern controlled much of the second and third sets to take a 2-1 lead. In set four, the Wolves appeared to be in trouble trailing 18-14, but NSU responded by ending the set on an 11 to 5 run to seal the victory.

Setter Drew Smith had an outstanding day for the Wolves as she racked-up 61 assists in the win. Smith also recorded her eighth double-double of the season as she had 12 digs in the match. Smith, along with Cari McGarvie also led NSU with two service aces.

Kelsey Chambers led the Wolves with 17 kills in the win. Chambers also added 13 digs and two blocks. Tori Biach and Mandy Kurosky each added 13 kills while hitting .579 and .333, respectively. McGarvie added 12 kills and hit .500 while leading the team with three total blocks. Hailey Busch chipped in with nine kills and tied for the team-high with 15 digs.

In the back row, Renee Hoffman, along with Busch, led the team with 15 digs which is a new career-best for Hoffman. Annika van Oosbree added eight digs in the win.

Northern returns home next weekend to host Sioux Falls in a 7 p.m. match Friday in Wachs Arena. No. 9 Southwest Minnesota State will be the opponent Saturday in a 3 p.m. contest.