The #12 Winona State Warriors conquered Augustana University last Friday, Oct. 22. The Warriors won the match 3-1 at the Elmen Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Warriors completed the night with a .245 hitting percent- age compared to .111 by Augustana. The Warriors racked up 53 kills compared to Augustana’s 48. Sharing the ball was no issue for the Warriors, as they had 52 assists compared to 42 by Augustana.

Along with putting up excellent offensive numbers, the Warriors dominated defensively. The Warriors totaled ten blocks compared to Augustana’s five. The Warriors had 69 digs compared to Augustana’s 61.

To begin the first set, Augustana struck first, but the Wazriors answered immediately. Throughout most of the match, the Warriors and Augustana would go back
and forth. The Warriors then went on a three-point scoring run, forcing Augustana to take their first time-out of the evening. After the time-out, the Warriors were the first to strike. The Warriors would go on two separate runs to create scoring space from Augustana. Augustana went on a scoring run of their own, but it was not enough to stop the Warriors. The Warriors took the set 25-17.

The second set was a nail biter. To start the set, Augustana struck first, but the Warriors responded with back-to-back scoring.

Throughout the set, the Warriors and Augustana fought back and forth to capture the lead. The Warriors scrapped and went on a scoring run that forced Augustana to take another timeout. Even though the Warriors fought hard, it, unfortunately, was not enough. Augustana took the close-set 25-23. The Warriors came out firing and earned their first point of the third set. Augustana responded, but the Warriors hammered down and went on a three-point run. For the next couple of points, the Warriors and Augustana would go back and forth. Augustana went on a five- point scoring run that caused the Warriors to take their first time-out of the evening. After the time out, the Warriors had the momentum back in their odds. The score was tied 20-20, but the Warriors went on to score five of the next six points. The Warriors held off Augustana to take the third set, 25-21.

The Warriors transferred the momentum into the fourth set. To begin the fourth set, the Warriors went on a three-point run. Augusta- na responded with a score of their own, but the Warriors kept pushing the pace and the lead. Augustana was forced to take a time-out, but that did not slow the Warriors down. The Warriors then went on an impressive six-point scoring run to increase their lead. Augustana attempted to close the widening gap, but the Warriors remained resilient. The Warriors dominated the set, winning 25-14.

Fourth-year Bre Maloney had an impressive evening, racking up 47 assists for the Warriors. Fifth-year Megan Flom led the team with 21 kills and a .457 hitting percent- age. Along with Flom, third-year Madison Larson put up 12 kills and 13 digs. Fifth-year Becca Pagel led the Warriors with 22 digs.

Bre Maloney, a fifth-year libero, saw their prior matchup as an exciting learning opportunity to fine-tune their game.

“Our last game showed us that what matters happens on our side of the net,” Maloney said. “We will continue working on the little things and put them together.”

Head Coach, Joe Getzin, also discussed the positive improvements they have made from their prior matchup.

“I thought we served and passed very well this past weekend,” Coach Getzin said. “It opens up all sorts of offensive opportunities for us.”

Maloney discussed how the team loves taking on the road and conquering challenges thrown their way.

“We thrive on being able to spend more time together and are excited for the competition this weekend and the challenges ahead,” Maloney said.

Coach Getzin pointed out how well the team performs on the road.

“This season we have not lost yet on the road, so the kids are excited to get back on the road,” Coach Getzin said. “We feel that we match up very well against [Augustana and Wayne State] and we’re excited to play two good teams.”

As for this weekend’s matchups, Maloney and the team are focusing on their side of the net.

“If we play for each other and with each other, we will find the success we are looking for,” Maloney said. “We are determined to come out with a lot of energy, fight, and battle against two very good NSIC teams.”

Coach Getzin commented on the team’s mindset heading into the weekend.

“One of the things we have been working on this week is being able to attack with a little more pace on the ball and keep being an aggressive team,” Coach Getzin said. “This conference is fun because you have to bring your A-game everything, so we’re looking forward to doing that.”

The Warriors finished out the weekend by defeating the #8 Wayne State 3-2 in Wayne, Neb. Along with staying undefeated on the road, the Warriors’ record is now 19-3 and 10-3 in the conference.

The Warriors will be taking on the Upper Iowa Peacocks in Fayette, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 28. The game will be live-streamed on the NSIC website.