COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Augustana women's volleyball team split the first day of the Pikes Peak Challenge in Colorado on Friday. The team fell to the Colorado Tigers 3-0 before sweeping St. Norbert Knights.
Augustana came out strong offensively in the opening set, recording 11 kills while hitting .189 as a team. The Vikings stayed within striking distance early, but Colorado used a strong offensive attack to take the opening set, 25-15. The Vikings continued to compete in the second set, with Sophia Sommesi and Taryn Jones providing offensive production. The Tigers ultimately pulled away late to take the set 25-16 and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Augustana responded with its strongest defensive effort of the afternoon in the third set. The Vikings held the Tigers to just six kills and a -.034 hitting percentage while battling point-for-point throughout the set. Colorado College, however, closed out the match with a 25-19 third-set victory.
Sommesi led the Vikings offensively with 10 kills, adding one ace and eight digs. Jones contributed six kills and six digs, while Elle Jones added three kills. At the net, Kelsey Mathews paced Augustana with three blocks, while Carmela Carbone added a block. Alyssa Millan directed the offense with 10 assists and added nine digs, while Abby Kirchner contributed five assists.
In game two, the opening set immediately set the tone for what would be a competitive afternoon. Neither team was able to establish much separation as Augustana and St. Norbert traded points throughout the frame. The Vikings leaned on a balanced offensive attack, finding success at the net while continuing to pressure the Green Knights with their serving and defense. With the set hanging in the balance late, Augustana remained composed. The Vikings finished the opening frame with 14 kills and held St. Norbert to just eight, closing out the set 25-23 to take an early 1-0 lead.
St. Norbert came out determined to even the match in the second set, but the Vikings continued to answer every challenge. Augustana's defense forced the Green Knights into difficult offensive situations, limiting them to a .028 hitting percentage for the set. The Vikings continued to find ways to manufacture points on the offensive end, recording 12 kills in the frame. With neither team willing to give an inch, Augustana again delivered when it mattered most, securing a 25-22 victory and moving within one set of the sweep.
Holding a 2-0 advantage, the Vikings entered the third set with an opportunity to finish the match. Rather than allowing St. Norbert to extend the afternoon, Augustana seized control. The Vikings maintained their composure and refused to let the match slip away. The Vikings closed the third set 25-19, completing the sweep and celebrating their first win of the season.
Sommesi paced the Vikings' attack with 10 kills while adding two service aces, six digs, and three blocks. Jones followed with nine kills, while Carmela Carbone added six kills to give Augustana a consistent offensive presence throughout the match. At the net, Alita Folkening made her presence felt with a team-high five blocks, helping the Vikings finish with nine total blocks. Sommesi added three blocks of her own as Augustana repeatedly challenged St. Norbert's attackers.
With the split on the day, Augie moves to 1-2 on the season and will be back in action tomorrow for the final game of the Pikes Peak Challenge against Calvin.
