Volleyball Bell Bank Tournament Recap

NDSCS hosted the Bell Bank Volleyball tournament September 15th and 16th. There were 10 teams in attendance this year with a total of 20 matches played over the two day tournament. The Wildcats started out the tournament playing Des Moines Area Community College, they won 3-0 and were led by Katie Gostovich and Samantha Kohl  who had a combined 21 kills during the match and Kaylee Stegora who was responsible for another of the Wildcats' points. During the second match for the Wildcats on day one they faced off against Iowa Lakes Community College. The Cats once again swept their opponent and showed off an impressive defense, holding Iowa Lakes to less than 13 points in each set. Mya Boomsma helped lead the wildcats to the sweep with 8 kills during the match. Coming into the second day NDSCS would face off against two nationally ranked top 25 teams starting with #14 Northeast Community College. In a hard fought first set the Cats were able to win 26-24 taking a 1-0 early lead in the match. After winning the first set the Wildcats never looked back continuing their dominance and winning the next 2 sets to sweep #14 Northeast Community College 3-0. Riley Hauff and Samantha Kohl led the way for the wildcats with a combined 26 kills to upset Northeast. With an undefeated record during the tournament thus far the Wildcats entered their toughest match of the tournament facing off against #10 ranked Iowa Central. Iowa Central took an early lead winning the first set 25-17, but the Cats battled right back winning the second set 25-20 evening the score to 1-1. Iowa Central snuck out the win in set three 26-24 making it 2-1 Iowa Central going into the 4th set. With their backs against the wall the Cats responded winning the 4th set 25-17 and forcing a 5th and final set to determine who would win. The Wildcats fought hard in this back and forth contest but ultimately fell short losing the final set 15-11 giving Iowa Central the match win 3-2. The Wildcats move to 10-6 on the season, 7-1 at home and 4-1 in conference play. The Wildcats will face off against Lake Region next on Wednesday, September 20th at home with a 7:00 pm start time.