Waldorf University – Weekend Recap: Volleyball Finishes on High Note

Volleyball finished its marathon weekend with a conference win

FOREST CITY, IA — The Waldorf Volleyball Team collected its first home conference victory of the season Saturday night at the Hanson Fieldhouse when it outlasted North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) foe Dickinson State in five sets, 20-25, 25-16, 23-25, 29-27,15-9.

The Warriors (11-14, 2-10 NSAA) also went the distance with league rival Valley City State on Friday night, but fell by the slimmest of margins in the decisive final set, 25-21, 26-24, 19-25, 16-25, 14-16.

The Warriors faced adversity over the weekend after losing sophomore outside hitter Kenzie Kidd (Roscoe, IL/Hononegah HS) to an untimely injury in Friday’s contest.  Without her in the Saturday lineup, Waldorf relied on a plethora of players to replace her offensive production, with four different players contributing double-digit kills.  

Sophomore outside hitter Alisha Schaefer (Mount Calvary, WI/New Holstein HS) stepped up for Waldorf, leading the way with a team-leading 13 kills in Satuday’s win.  Junior middle blocker Abygail Wood (Ankeny, IA/Ankeny Centennial HS) put down 12 kills, while sophomore middle blocker Charlotte Wright (Porter, MN/Canby HS) and freshman right side hitter Zoee Pond (Monroe, WI/Monroe HS) had ten kills apiece.

“We showed a lot of resilience this weekend,” said Waldorf Head Coach Bri Ebenhoe.  “Playing two, five-set matches back to back is a lot and for us to battle to the end in both was important.”

Reigning NSAA Setter of the Week Kaitlyn Bakke (Forest Lake, MN/Forest Lake HS) led all competitors with 49 assists in Saturday’s game.  Bakke also led the Warriors with 40 assists in Friday’s contest. 

Sophomore defensive specialist Kaylee Kidd (Roscoe, IL/Hononegah HS) led the way for Waldorf on Saturday with a team high 24 digs.  Sophomore defensive specialist Trinity Perez (Worthing, SD) registered 14 digs.  Kaylee Kidd was also Friday’s leader in digs with 16, and Bakke and Perez followed with nine each.

Zoee Pond was the Warriors’ Friday leader in kills with 15.  Abygail Wood tallied 13 kills, and Charlotte Wright and Kenzie Kidd each had nine. 

The Warriors wrap up their Fall 2021 season when they play host to NSAA opponents Dakota State and Bellevue University, respectively.  Friday’s contest is slated for 7:00 p.m. while Saturday’s matinee begins at 1:00 p.m.