CHADRON, Neb. – South Dakota Mines Volleyball defeated Chadron State 3-2, ending an Eagles comeback late in the match.
The Hardrockers took the first set over the Eagles 26-24. With an 8-5 deficit, the Rockers went on a 5-0 run to go up 10-8. That lead would improve to a 20-15 down the stretch. However, Chadron State staged a comeback and would take a 24-22 advantage. Two kills, an attack error and a block would cap a 4-0 run for the Rockers to win 26-24.
In the second set, South Dakota Mines dominated Chadron State 25-12. An early 11-1 run gave the Hardrockers a 13-4 advantage. After the Eagles went on a 4-0 run, the Hardrockers went on an 8-2 run to win the set 25-12.
Chadron State attempted a comeback and would tie the match at 2-2. They took the third set 25-23 and won the fourth 26-24. The Eagles forced a fifth set following a 7-0 run to give them the set win.
The Rockers took the momentum back after starting the fifth set with a 5-1 lead. With an 8-2 lead, the Eagles went on a 4-0 run to cut the deficit to 8-6. The Hardrockers kept that advantage, and
Lexi Glendenning ended the comeback for the Eagles with a match-sealing kill.
Cate Warren led the match with 18 kills with her .204 hitting percentage. She also put up six blocks.
Ivy Vindivich recorded a double-double with 16 kills, 15 digs and a .361 hitting percentage. Glendenning totaled 13 kills, while
Maria Bouman hit for .450 with 10 kills and five blocks.
Defensively,
Lily Grau put up six blocks for the Hardrockers.
Allison Nowak led the Rockers with 16 digs, while
Campbell Sheffield had 15. Both setters put up double-doubles against the Eagles.
Emily Henderson collected 31 assists and 14 digs, while
Hannah Joseph dished out 27 assists and 14 digs. Joseph also put up four aces.
Despite Chadron State recording 19 blocks, the Rockers hit for .223 and held the Eagles to a .183 percentage. South Dakota Mines collected 83 digs, 70 kills, 66 assists, 12 aces and 11 blocks.
With the victory, the Hardrockers improved to 10-3 overall.
What's Next
South Dakota Mines returns home for a contest with Black Hills State on Friday at 7 p.m. this marks the first game of the Black Hills Brawl Rivalry Series.
