ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana College women's volleyball team opened its 2026 season Tuesday, falling to the Dubuque Spartans 3-0 (25-19, 29-27, 25-23).
The Vikings showed plenty of fight throughout the match, particularly in the final two sets, but Dubuque was able to make the crucial plays down the stretch to secure the sweep.
Carmela Carbone led Augustana offensively with nine kills while hitting .400 for the match. Alita Folkening and Sophia Sommesi each contributed six kills, with Sommesi also pacing the Vikings defensively with 14 digs.
Augustana's blocking provided a significant advantage at the net. The Vikings finished with nine total blocks, with Kelsey Mathews leading the way with four blocks, while Sommesi added two. Carbone, Folkening, and Lanah Queckboerner each contributed two blocks.
Dubuque took control early in the opening set, earning a 25-19 victory. The Vikings responded with a strong showing in the second set, battling the Spartans through an extended, back-and-forth frame before ultimately falling 29-27.
Augustana continued to challenge Dubuque in the third set. The Vikings recorded 12 kills in the frame compared with 11 for the Spartans and held Dubuque to a .075 hitting percentage. Despite the statistical edge, Augustana was unable to close out the set, as Dubuque secured a 25-23 victory to finish the match.
The Vikings finished the night with 33 kills and hit .181 as a team. Augustana also held an advantage in total blocks, while recording six service aces.
Sommesi led the defensive effort with her 14 digs, while Abby Kirchner and Niya Mincheva helped direct the Augustana offense with eight and 12 assists, respectively. Ava Williams recorded two service aces in her first collegiate game.
With the loss, Augie begins the season 0-1 and will be back in action this weekend for the Pikes Peak Challenge hosted by Colorado College on Sept. 4-5.
