ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana women's volleyball team (INSERT RECORDS HERE) squared off against the Big Blue of Millikin University (INSERT RECORDS HERE) this evening in an electric CCIW match.
 
The night's action started even before the first serve was offered as one of Augie's star hitters, Brook Fieldman, was forced to leave the contest due to injury suffered at the end of the team's pregame warm-ups. The Vikings did not let that unforeseen series of events rattle them, though, as they jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the first set.
 
Augie maintained their momentum with the help of an offensive barrage from Lexis Miller and Emily Schipper's combined seven kills in the first set. The Vikings never led by less than four and went on to win the first period 25-20.
 
Millikin bounced back to start the second set, though, and took an early 6-1 lead. The Big Blue dominated the second set from start to finish and led by as many as 10, which was also the final margin of 25-15.
 
The start of the third set was much more competitive than the previous two with both teams trading scores until it was 9-9 on the scoreboard. Midway through the set, Augustana lost some steam and Millikin capitalized. The visitors went on a 6-0 run to take a 17-11 lead. The Big Blue did not look back and won the period in convincing fashion, 25-12.
 
Millikin continued their efficient play in the fourth set despite an early scare from the Vikings. Millikin rolled through the final period 25-15.
 
Ultimately, Augustana could not build on their fantastic first set and dropped the match 3-1.
 
Schipper led the Vikings in kills with 11 followed by Miller's seven. Olivia Doak recorded team-high 20 assist
 
The Vikings will be back in action next Tuesday, Oct. 12, when they travel to Wheaton to take on the Thunder.