Trojan spikers sweep Hardrockers
October 31, 2009
MADISON, S.D. - The Dakota State University volleyball team played their last home regular match of the season as they welcomed South Dakota School of Mines Saturday night. The Trojans swept the Hardrockers in three sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-12 at the DSU Fieldhouse. The win snapped the Trojans' four-match losing streak.
The Trojans raised their overall record to 9-17 and 4-9 in the DAC. SD School of Mines of dropped to 8-17 and 5-8 in the DAC conference record.
DSU started slow in the opening set, trailing 9-5. The Trojans went on a mini 4-0 run to tie the first set at 9 and then went on an 8-3 scoring tear to overtake a 17-12 lead. DSU held on and went for a 25-20 first set win.
The Trojans started strong in the second set and grabbed an 11-3 early lead. The Hardrockers crept back into the set with a 6-2 run to make it 13-9 Trojans. Then, DSU reeled off with six straight points to make it 19-9. The Trojans did not allow the Hardrockers to get closer than six points as DSU took the second set win, 25-19.
DSU jet to a 16-6 lead in the third set and breezed through for a 25-12 win.
Rachael Jensen and Stephanie Kruggel led the Trojans' balanced offense with eight kills each. Vicki Kaul and Margie Anthony added five kills each. Mollie Merriam had 26 set assists.
Amy Pheneger recorded five service aces in the match for DSU.
Jensen led the Trojans' defense with 17 digs. Kruggel added 12 digs and Shelby Tollefson 11. Kaul had two solo blocks and two block assists. Anthony added two solo blocks and one block assist. Ashley Schulte recorded a solo block and three block assists.
Katherine Hanson had 11 kills for SD School of Mines. Rachel Pekarek added seven kills. Becky Keilhotz had 13 set assists and Alex Mader 12 assists.
Hanson recorded 12 digs, two solo blocks and two block assists for the Hardrockers. Reanna Roberson added 10 digs.
The Trojans out-hit Hardrockers 32-29 and .189 to .000. DSU had 10 team blocks to the Hardrockers' five.
Dakota State will conclude their regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 4th. They will face Mayville State in a DAC Conference action. The Trojans are in a three-way tie for sixth place with a 4-9 conference record. SD School of Mines and Valley City State are tied for fourth place with a 5-8 conference record.
The DAC Volleyball Postseason positioning for #4 to #8 seeds will be determined after the completion of Wednesday's night matches.
Box Score vs. SD School of Mines
Nick Huntimer, Dakota State University Sports Information Director
