SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Augustana University swept the Bemidji State University Volleyball team 25-11, 25-23, 25-23 on Friday at Elmen Center in Sioux Falls. The Vikings' eight aces and a .248 hitting percentage proved decisive, while the Beavers struggled with 23 attack errors. Despite a late surge in sets two and three, Bemidji State could not overcome the early deficit.
 
The first set began with Augustana establishing dominance, taking an early 5-0 lead behind Brooke Berens' kill and Sydney Tims' service ace. The Beavers struggled with attack errors, which contributed to the Vikings' extended lead. Despite a brief surge by BSU, with Ava Athman securing three consecutive kills, Augustana maintained control with consistent offense from Reagan Jansen and Maya Wente. The Vikings capitalized on errors to close the set, with a final attack error from Lily Riese ending the set at 25-11 in favor of Augustana.
 
Augustana started the second set with a service ace from Sydney Tims, setting the tone early. Bemidji State responded with a kill from Nevaeh Carlson, tying the score at 1-1. The set remained closely contested, with the Vikings taking advantage of Lucy Belisle's consistent attacking, including a pivotal kill that put them ahead 13-8. Despite a late surge by BSU, including a service ace from Ava Boelter and multiple kills by Carlson, the Vikings maintained their edge. Maya Wente secured the set for Augustana with a kill, concluding the set at 25-23.
 
Bemidji State and Augie engaged in a tightly contested third set, marked by frequent lead changes and pivotal plays. The Beavers took an early lead with a 4-2 run, highlighted by a service ace from Ava Athman and a kill by Carlson. However, the Vikings responded with a series of attacks from Belisle and a service ace by Tims, edging ahead 10-8. Bemidji State reclaimed the lead at 20-19, thanks to a service ace from Madison Tripp and a successful block by Grace Hoffard and Riese. Despite their efforts, BSU couldn't maintain the momentum, as Augustana closed out the set 25-23 with a decisive kill from Wente, assisted by Kiylah Franke.
 
Carlson posted a team-high 16 kills, contributing 17 points to the Beavers' performance. Tripp facilitated the offense with 25 assists, helping set up key plays throughout the match. Kylie Struble anchored the defense with 15 digs, ensuring stability on the back line. Athman added nine kills and two service aces, further boosting the team's offensive efforts.
 
Bemidji State now holds a record of 3-9 overall and 0-4 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play. Augustana stands at 8-4 overall with a 2-2 record in NSIC competition.
 
Up next for Bemidji State is a trip to Wayne, Neb., where they will face Wayne State College Saturday at 5 p.m.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program tickets or schedules visit BSUBeavers.com. Be sure to follow the Beavers on their social media channels on X, Instagram or like them on Facebook.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
--bsu—