NDSU volleyball sweeps Texas-Pan American
NDSU volleyball has come a long way since it’s bump up to Division I two years ago.
The team reached its 14th win this season with its 30-20, 30-16, 30-20 sweep over University of Texas-Pan America Saturday at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.
NDSU now sits with a 14-10 season record, and at the most wins in a season since they started competing as a Division I Independent team.
“ It was a solid, overall team performance,” head coach Erich Hinterstocker said. “We did a nice job keeping Pan-Am out of system.”
The Bison quickly locked out the Pan-America Broncs, leading to a 3-0 victory that was largely due to a successful defense from NDSU.
Hinderstocker said particularly the team did a nice job showcasing its blocking skills.
NDSU had 17 blocks, with most NDSU players having multiple individual blocks.
While NDSU was blocking everything, Pan America only managed two team blocks.
Outside hitter Lindsay Rogers led NDSU with eight blocks, followed by middle hitter Christy Stuewe with seven and outside hitter Kelly Kaufman with six.
The teams were more evenly matched in kills with Pan-America having 40 total individual kills and NDSU having 39.
Chloe Quirk led NDSU with 11, while Kellie Phillips led Pan-America with 16.
Pan-America’s downfall was its errors. They had a total of 32 attack errors throughout the match compared to only 11 by NDSU.
NDSU setter Mattie Johnson had game-high assists with 34 while Pan-America setter Chelsea Blakely had 29.
“ We have a great setter and that helps a lot,” Rogers said.
After the game ended, NDSU honored its outgoing seniors.
Hitters Quirk, Sheila Parrish, Kelly Kaufmann, Stacy White and middle hitter Lindsay Rogers were all recognized for their efforts.
“ I’m so happy for these five seniors,” said Hinterstocker. “They’ve been the leaders of our program this year.”
Hinterstocker said the seniors have taken a strong role in helping everybody understand that the team members need to stay here in the summer months and train so they could have a great season.
“ I couldn’t have asked for a better senior year especially with the new coaching staff and the whole team,” Quirk said.
Besides White, who transferred to NDSU this season from Weber State, all of the seniors were apart of the six-win season a year ago.
“ That was awesome to do my senior year and to know we made such a huge change,” Rogers said in reference to the 14th win.
Despite the difficulties the Bison had last year, Rogers said the team came a long way and improved greatly.
“ We knew that we were going to be better and set records for our season,” said Quirk.
NDSU will play at Utah Valley State Saturday and at Idaho State Sunday.