Vikings Win Opening Round Match in NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship

Women’s Volleyball | Sat, Nov. 20, 2021

Des Moines, IA – The Grand View women’s volleyball team began its journey to a National Championship on Saturday afternoon with an Opening Round match of the 2021 NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship. The No. 18 Vikings came away victorious as they defeated Dakota State University in four sets with scores of 28-26, 25-22, 20-25 and 25-10.

Set 1: Grand View University 28 l Dakota State University 26

Grand View found some momentum in the beginning stages of the first set to find themselves ahead 7-3 after a 4-0 scoring run forced a timeout from Dakota State. The momentum shifted to the Trojans after the timeout, however, as Dakota State took the lead at 14-11. After a timeout by Grand View, the Vikings came out swinging and jump back in front at 20-19 behind a 5-0 run highlighted by two kills from Taylor Carey (SR/Waukee, IA) and a service ace from Chevy Wagner-Chun (SO/Waianae, HI). The two teams drew even at 25, but Grand View was able to win the set on three-straight points from Jenna Wagemester (SR/Cedar Rapids, IA) and Karleigh Halpin (SR/Ottumwa, IA).

Set 2: Grand View University 25 l Dakota State University 22

Set two saw the two squads go back-and-forth to a draw at 9-9, but the Vikings were eventually able to take a wide lead at 15-9 after a 6-0 scoring spurt. The Trojans fought their way back into the match and were even able to take a one-point lead at the 21-20 mark. The Vikings remained resilient though and took the set after a kill from Lauren Bair (SR/Braddyville, IA) and a combination block from Bailey Sullivan (SR/Mt. Vernon, IA) and Carey.

Set 3: Grand View University 20 l Dakota State University 25

The third set saw the Vikings fall behind early at 4-8. Grand View was able to cut the deficit down to a single point a few moments later at 9-10 but was never able to retake the lead. The Trojans stretched their set lead out to as much as seven and even though the Vikings made a few late pushes with some kills from Wagemester, Dakota State ultimately won the set 20-25.

Set 4: Grand View University 25 l Dakota State University 10

The fourth set was the most dominant showing by the Vikings over the course of the contest. Grand View came out aggressive from the beginning and amassed a huge 15-3 lead. During that stretch the Vikings totaled three service aces from Bailey Sullivan, Sierra Wright and Wagner-Chun. Grand View stayed on the offensive and capped the…