Wildcats Cap Montana Road Trip With 3-1 Win Over Dawson

North Dakota State College of Science Volleyball capped its western road trip with a 3-1 victory over Dawson Community College on Wednesday night. The Wildcats (6-3, 1-1) seemed as though they’d be in a dogfight early. After winning the first set, 25-21, DCC took the second set, 25-15. But, NDSCS was able to regroup during the intermission and take sets three and four decisively.

Wildcats Cap Montana Road Trip With 3-1 Win Over Dawson
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September 12, 2019

No. 19 North Dakota State College of Science Volleyball capped its western road trip with a 3-1 victory over Dawson Community College on Wednesday night.

The Wildcats (6-3, 1-1) seemed as though they'd be in a dogfight early. After winning the first set, 25-21, DCC took the second set, 25-15. But, NDSCS was able to regroup during the intermission and take sets three and four decisively.

Sophomore Gabby Hahn led the way with 13 kills and 15 digs. Freshman Katie Krieger continued her human shovel ways, tallying a game-high 32 digs. Classmate Ally Gruber and sophomore Lily Pyle each added four blocks.

One of the biggest additions in this young season has been the play of freshman Miah Gessell.

She's now had double-digit kills in three of her last four games, including 13 against Dawson. She's also had double-digit digs in five consecutive games.

Wednesday's win comes on the heels of a 3-2 to Miles Community College on Tuesday night.

Hahn led in kills with a season-high 23. Sophomore Lexi Hansch handed out 40 assists and Krieger added 19 digs. Sophomore Elizabeth Lyons had six blocks in that game.

The "Montana Swing" – more than 1,000 miles roundtrip – is always a great bonding experience for the Wildcats.

With so many new faces playing in pivotal roles, this week offered another opportunity for NDSCS to solidify a foundation for what is hoped to be a long and prosperous season. Now, awaiting them at Ed Werre Arena, is a four-game home tournament which includes the first of two matchups with nationally ranked Iowa Central Community College.

"I'm proud of our group's ability to bounce back after a tough loss Tuesday and a long road trip," said NDSCS Head Coach Jane Passa. "We are learning how important our depth is and how to adjust to different looks on defense. We are excited to have family weekend and play at home. The tough competition this weekend will only help us improve for future conference matches."

The Wildcats will kickoff the weekend's slate of games on Friday against Valley City State (4 p.m.). They'll cap Friday evening with St. Cloud Technical (7:30 p.m.). Saturday's schedule will have Assiniboine Community College (9 a.m.) and Iowa Central (1 p.m.).