MITCHELL — Mitchell Kernels volleyball extended its win streak to six on Tuesday night with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sioux Falls Jefferson. After dropping two of the first three sets, the Kernels rallied to win the final two sets, clinching the match by scores of 25-20, 24-26, 19-25, 27-25, and 15-8.
The win improves Mitchell’s record to 12-4 for the season, they remain undefeated in five-set matches (4-0) and also undefeated at home (7-0). It’s also Mitchell’s longest winning streak since Oct. 2017. This is the second time in four days the Kernels have come from behind to secure a five-set win, following a five set victory over Rapid City Stevens on Saturday.
The match started with Mitchell taking the first set comfortably 25-20, but Jefferson responded by winning the second set 26-24. Jefferson didn’t take their first lead of the match until 25-24 in the second.
Mitchell regrouped in the fourth, finding a spark after Senior setter Addie Siemsen was uncharacteristically called for her third lift violation of the match. The Kernels fought off two match points to pull off a 27-25 win in the fourth set to force a decisive fifth.
In the final set, Mitchell gained an early advantage taking an 8-3 lead and closing out a 15-8 win.
Senior libero Kenna Soulek was named the KORN Player of the Match leading the Kernels with a career-high 33 digs, while Siemsen finished with 47 assists, 13 kills, and 18 digs.
Eight-greader Nia Talley added 11 kills and 28 digs, while senior Audrey Miller finished with 15 kills. Senior Kambyl Wede and junior Charleigh Collins each chipped in with eight kills, with Wede also adding three blocks.
Jefferson’s offense was led by Sienna Sabers, who tallied 18 kills, and Natalie Welty, who added 17. The Cavaliers falls to 1-7 on the season vs. teams with better than a .500 record.
The Kernels will travel to No. 4 Watertown on Thursday, Oct. 16, beginning a stretch of three straight road matches.