Sam Thiel/Winonan

Katie Froehle led the way for the Winona State University volleyball team Friday in Winona recording 11 kills. However the squad fell short, losing to No. 1 Southwest Minnesota State University 3-0.

WSU quickly gained nearl leads in the first and second sets but SMSU fought back, with the Mustangs ultimately winning the first game 27-25 and the second game 25-15.

The Mustangs finished off the match with a 25-16 win in the third set.

Froehle put in eight digs along with her 11 kills, while Kate Horihan cashed in five kills. Maggie Finkel finished her match tied with Froehle for the squad lead in digs with eight, while Rachel Polland recorded seven digs and Kayla Uhlenhake added six.

Uhlenhake also dished out a team-high: 13 assists, while Elena Kruesel put in 12.

The Warriors netted four blocks total, with Horihan and Kathleen Omelina each blocking three total shots.

Katie Froehle once again led WSU with 16 kills, but the Winona State University volleyball team fell in five sets to the University of Sioux Falls Saturday in Winona.

After dropping the first and second set 25-23 and 25-18 respectively, the Warriors came back and won sets three and four 25-11 and 25-12 before dropping the final fifth set 15-11.

“In reality, the playoffs have started for us,” said coach Dave Simon. “We need to treat each match like a playoff match so that we can assure ourselves of a spot in the post-season conference tournament. Even though this weekend’s results were disappointing, the good news is that we still control our own destiny in playing Mankato, Augustana and Wayne down the stretch. Better offensive production will come from better ball control and being aggressive yet smart on our attack selections.”

Froehle led WSU with 16 kills, with Laura Zeamer putting in 12 of her own. Kayla Uhlenhake led the Warriors with 25 assists, while Elena Kruesel added 16.

On the defensive end, Maggie Finkel led the Warriors with 29 digs, with Froehle putting in 15 and Rachel Polland adding 13.

Winona State University is now 18-8 overall on the season and 10-6 in NSIC play.

Four of the five final games of the regular season will be played at home. With only five games left, the Warriors are working towards putting themselves in a favorable spot for the NSIC Tournament.

The Warriors will travel to Concordia-St. Paul on Nov. 1 to face the No. 2 Golden Bears.

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