ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings opened CCIW play Friday night inside the Roy J. Carver Center with a four-set win over North Central, taking the match 25–17, 13–25, 25–14, 25–21.

Augustana found its rhythm early in the opening set. Bryce Lawson and Tom Lamb each recorded multiple kills in the early points, and Lamb added a service ace as the Vikings built an early edge. Aidan Bolen and Cole Clarke added crucial swings midway through the frame as Augustana built a solid cushion on the way to a set one victory. North Central worked its way back within reach late, but the Vikings didn't yeild as Lawson delivered the final kill of the set to lock up the 25–17 win.

North Central responded in the second set. Augustana stayed close early behind kills from Bolen and Lamb and trailed by just two at 11–9. The Cardinals used a stretch of points midway through the set to move in front and kept that advantage the rest of the way. Alexander Sulewski and Clarke each recorded kills late in the frame, but North Central closed out the set, 25–13, to even the match.

 After falling behind 3–0 to start the third set, the Vikings worked their way back behind kills from Sulewski, Lawson, and Clarke. A service ace from Colin Schaefer and additional swings from Lamb helped Augustana move in front, and the Vikings gradually pulled away as the set continued. Bolen delivered the final kill as Augustana took the set, 25–14, to regain the match lead.

With the match still in reach in the fourth set, Augustana built an early bank of points behind kills from Lawson and Bolen. North Central tied the score at 14–14 midway through the set, but Lawson and Bolen each recorded kills during a key stretch that put the Vikings back in front by five. North Central pushed to close the gap late, but the Vikings held on to the lead. After the Cardinals pulled within two, Lamb delivered the final kill to secure the 25–21 win and complete the four-set victory.

Lawson led the Vikings offensively with 13 kills while hitting .357, and Bolen added 12 kills and eight digs. Clarke finished with nine kills, while Sulewski pitched in with seven kills and two service aces. Schaefer orchestrated the offensive efforts with 40 assists, while also adding a service ace, a solo block, and 11 digs. Defensively, Colin Alvers led the team with 13 digs.

The Vikings improve to 5-3, and 1-0 in conference play. The Vikings welcome St. Ambrose to town on Monday, Feb. 23. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. inside the Carver Center.