Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Valley City, N.D. – Dickinson State fell in the North Star Athletic Association Opening Round Friday evening against Valley City State, falling in straight sets (17-25, 22-25, 17-25) at W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse. Despite a solid effort and some strong individual performances, the Blue Hawks couldn't overcome Valley City's efficiency on offense and at the net.
The Blue Hawks started strong in the first set, with Madi Wahl and McKenzie Moser leading the attack. Wahl finished with seven kills on 20 attempts, while Moser added 10 kills on 37 swings, though the team struggled to find consistency, hitting just .138 in the first set.
In the second set, Dickinson State made adjustments and kept the score close, showing improved play across rotations. Scarlette Schwindt added six kills while Rylee Kogolshak facilitated the offense with 30 assists. However, Valley City's front line, led by Macy Fridgen, continued to apply pressure, hitting .234 in the set to keep the lead.
Dickinson State's defense was active, with Schwindt leading with 13 digs, and Kogolshak contributing seven. The Blue Hawks were able to tighten up the score late in the set but ultimately fell short at 22-25.
In the final set, Valley City's attacking pressure continued, and Dickinson State couldn't close the gap despite solid blocking efforts from Makyah Albrecht and Abby Suiter, who combined for eight block assists. With a hitting percentage of just .090 over the match, the Blue Hawks couldn't match Valley City's offensive output, who finished the night hitting .219 overall.
The Blue Hawks season comes to end at 5-21 overall and they now look forward to next season as they enter the Frontier Conference.
"It really has been a great season.," said first-year Head Coach Stormy Siemion. "What this team has been able to accomplish, in building a culture of love and trust is only going to continue to push DSU volleyball in the right direction. I am very proud of our four seniors. They were able to push themselves in a very short amount of time and helped build a great foundation. I am very proud to be the head coach of an amazing group of young women."