MITCHELL, S.D. — RV Dakota Wesleyan University Volleyball hosted the 24th-ranked Dakota State Trojans for its Senior Night celebration.
Both of Dakota Wesleyan’s playing seniors stepped up to the challenge against the ranked opponent, as Lily Ranschau caught the hot hand early and ended up totaling 15 kills, while Emily Dale contributed nine kills and two blocks at the net. The tandem would be a driving factor in Dakota Wesleyan’s offensive production, especially as the team continued to gain momentum through the first frame. The Tigers jumped out to a 17-7 lead before the Trojans would find their only major scoring run of the set, with DWU still being able to put a stop to it at three consecutive points. Dakota Wesleyan scored eight of the next 10 points, including a final two from seniors Ranschau and Dale, to claim a 1-0 match lead by a score of 25-12.
The offense was commanded by Kayleigh Hybertson, who continues her historic season as Dakota Wesleyan’s setter. The junior totaled 55 assists through five sets, posting her highest mark of the season while also averaging 11 assists per set. Hybertson also recorded her fifth consecutive double-double of the season by adding 19 digs to her stat line. She dished opportunities to Evy Knoblock and Madisyn Grimsrud, who were prominent offensive contributors. Knoblock led the team and recorded 21 kills during the match, while Grimsrud tallied 15 of her own and added five total blocks to the mix. She was joined at the net by Natalie Heuertz, who led the team with eight blocks overall. The Tigers once again controlled the set and continued to string points together while the Trojans struggled to keep pace. The second set saw the Tigers take a 2-0 lead by a score of 25-12 once again.
Dakota Wesleyan’s offensive power was matched with an impressive effort from the backline, headlined by junior libero Elizabeth Tyler. The two-time GPAC Defender of the Week led DWU with 37 digs and was supported by Carlee Laubach, who recorded 18 of her own. The third set saw the Trojans battle back from an initial deficit to take a late lead in the frame and eventually claim a set win, bringing the match to a 2-1 scoreline with a 25-23 victory in the frame. The Trojans carried their momentum into the fourth set and pulled ahead 15-9 on the Tigers, but a scoring run spurred by an ace from Abigail Zegar pulled Dakota Wesleyan back within a few points. Even still, Dakota State found its groove again after a timeout, and even though the Tigers mounted a late comeback, Dakota State ultimately forced a fifth set with a 25-22 victory in the fourth frame.
The Tigers found their footing at the beginning of the fifth set, jumping out to a 6-2 lead to force a Trojan timeout. The quick break did not rattle Dakota Wesleyan, who was able to close out the contest and secure a 15-8 set and match victory against the ranked Trojans. The Tigers and the Trojans pushed each other to a five-set thriller similar to their matchup in September, and once again, Dakota Wesleyan came out on top in the final frame. The Tigers move to 15-10 overall as the postseason approaches.
DWU Volleyball will be back in action against the Dordt Defenders on Wednesday, October 29th, at 7:30 PM.