Blue Hawks battle, but fall to #7 Viterbo

DICKINSON, N.D. – The Dickinson State volleyball team (4-20, 2-9 NSAA) battled hard but were unable to take a set from #7 Viterbo University (24-6, 11-0 NSAA) on Thursday evening in Scott Gym.

Mackenna Johnson led the DSU attack with 10 kills, while McKenzie Moser added nine kills and 12 digs. Bailey Pearcy had 29 assists and two kills, and Jenna Swope added 19 digs for the Blue Hawks.

The Blue Hawks kept it close in set one, getting to within 16-13 on an ace from Bailey Pearcy, but the V-Hawks answered with a 9-5 run to make it 1-0 V-Hawks in the match.

In the second set, the V-Hawks raced out to a quick 7-2 lead forcing Dickinson State to take a timeout. Unfortunately for the hosts, the timeout couldn't slow down a relentless Viterbo team as they extended their lead to 15-6, forcing DSU to use another timeout. The Blue Hawks came out of the timeout with some fire, coming all the way back to down 18-15, forcing Viterbo to use their first timeout of the match. Out of the timeout DSU closed the gap all the way, tying it at 21-21 with a Mackenna Johnson back-row kill, but VU responded with the next four points to take set two, 25-21.

The third set was controlled by Viterbo early, with the V-Hawks taking a 16-9 lead, but a quick 4-0 run by the Blue Hawks made it 16-13 and got DSU within striking distance. The teams traded points until a Johnson block made it 18-16 VU. A dump-kill by Setter Bailey Pearcy got the Blue Hawks to within one at 20-19, and after a kill by Viterbo and a service error it was 21-20 VU. A Madi Wahl block tied the score up at 22-22 and a McKenzie Moser kill gave DSU its first lead 23-22, but the V-Hawks scored the final three points to take the set, 25-23, and the match, 3-0.

WHATS NEXT

The Blue Hawks return to action in Scott Gym tomorrow, October 28, when they take on Waldorf University at 6:00 pm. Fans are encouraged to wear pink for breast cancer awareness.