Bismarck, ND (NSUWolves.com) – It was a 5-set battle and the (RV) Northern State University volleyball team ultimately came away with the win against the University of Mary. The Wolves dropped the first and third sets, however buckled down to secure their fifth NSIC victory of 2023.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 3, MARY 2
Records: NSU 13-3 (5-2 NSIC), MARY 4-11 (0-7 NSIC)
Attendance: 561
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Marauders and Wolves traded set victories in the first four sets with UMary recorded 25-20 and 29-27 wins in the first and third, and Northern recording 25-20 wins in both the second and fourth sets
- NSU tallied solid defensive play in the decisive set, holding MARY to a -0.143 attack percentage with just two kills
- Ultimately Northern recorded a match high 71 kills, 68 assists, and 85 digs, adding seven aces and six blocks
- The offense recorded more kills than the Marauders in each of the five sets
- Three Wolves recorded double figure kills offensively and four notched double figure digs defensively
- Natalia Szybinska had a career evening with 25 kills, hitting .400
- Abby Meister and Keri Walker led the defensive effort with 24 and 23 digs respectively, while Walker dished out 53 assists and led the team with three aces
- Abby Brooks and Szybinska led the net defense with four and three blocks apiece
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Natalia Szybinska: 25 kills (career high), .400 attack%, 3 blocks
- Hanna Thompson: 13 kills, 2 blocks, 2 digs
- Morissen Samuels: 10 kills
- Keri Walker: 53 assists, 23 digs, 3 aces
- Reese Johnson: 13 digs, 7 assists, 1 ace, 1 kill
- Sara Moberg: 13 digs, 5 assists, 2 aces
- Abby Brooks: 4 blocks, 9 kills
UP NEXT
Northern continues their split week road trip on Saturday against Minnesota State. First serve is set for 11 a.m. versus the Mavericks.