SIOUX FALLS — A fast start on the road wasn’t enough for the Mitchell Kernels volleyball team, which fell in four sets to Sioux Falls Lincoln on Tuesday night.
Mitchell grabbed an early lead with a 25-23 win in the first set, but Lincoln answered emphatically, taking the next three sets 25-11, 25-11, and 25-22 to secure a 3-1 victory on its home court.
The loss drops Mitchell to 6-4 on the season, while Lincoln improves to 9-4 and remains undefeated at home (6-0).
Senior Audrey Miller paced the Kernels with nine kills and added one block. Eighth-grader Nia Talley continued to impress with seven kills and a service ace. Senior Addie Siemsen delivered a well-rounded performance with seven kills, eight digs, one ace, and 23 assists, leaving her just four assists shy of the 1,000 mark for her career.
Mitchell’s defense was anchored by junior Kenzie Hetland, who recorded a match-high seven total blocks, including two solo. Sophomore Londyn Hajek led the back row with 12 digs and also chipped in an ace.
Kambyl Wede and Charleigh Collins each posted five kills, with both contributing four blocks apiece at the net. As a team, Mitchell totaled 12 blocks and 35 kills, hitting .149 across the four sets.
After the opening set win, the Kernels struggled with consistency and serve receive, managing just 11 points in both the second and third sets. They fought to extend the match in the fourth, pulling within striking distance late, but Lincoln closed it out with timely kills and defensive stops.
Mitchell will look to bounce back quickly with another road match in Sioux Falls on Thursday against Roosevelt, before heading west for a weekend doubleheader against Spearfish and Douglas on Saturday.