ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings women's volleyball team won its third straight five-set contest on Wednesday, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Wheaton Thunder at home.
After the visitors grabbed the opening set, the Vikings used a strong start in the second to establish a cushion from the Thunder. Augustana jumped out to a four-point lead at 7-3 and quickly doubled up Wheaton at 12-6. The Thunder stormed back to get within two on two separate occasions and eventually evened the score at 18 points apiece. From there, three straight points from Augie moved them back out in front and the team eventually held on by that margin to even the match at one win each. Wheaton countered with a 25-20 triumph in the third to regain control of the match.
Augustana secured a quick 6-2 lead in the fourth, but the Thunder remained in striking distance. Despite Wheaton drawing even three times, the Vikings did not lose the lead until a score of 14-13. After a 3-0 run put Augustana back in front at 16-14, the Thunder rattled off six points in a row to tie for the largest lead of the frame. A 4-0 run from the Vikings after trailing 22-19 moved the lead back in their favor, eventually holding on by a final of 27-25 to force a fifth and final game.
Kylie Collachia and
Alexis Richards both had a kill and a service ace through the final seven points scored.
Following two of the first three points going Wheaton's way, the Vikings took control of the fifth set with a 7-3 scoring outburst to take an 8-4 lead into the break. The two teams traded points to move the four-point margin out to a score of 11-7 before kills by
Carli Udovich and
Emily Schipper helped fuel a three-point surge. Schipper put the finishing touches on the 15-9 win to seal the comeback victory for the team.
Udovich and Schipper each led Augustana with 14 kills apiece, while Collachia led elsewhere with 31 assists and 11 digs.
Carmela Carbone also added seven kills and was a part of four blocks.
With the win, Augie improves to 6-6 on the season and 1-1 in the CCIW. The team will be back in action Friday for a tri-match against Wartburg and UW-Platteviile.
