LA CROSSE, WIS. – The VCSU volleyball team wrapped up its opening weekend with an 0-4 record against tough competition at the Viterbo University Holiday Inn Express Tournament.

The Vikings played nine sets on Saturday to close out the tournament, but were unable to pick up a victory. VCSU dropped a four-set match to (RV) Morningside College, 17-25, 25-21, 11-25, 14-25 to open the day. In the tourney finale, VCSU went the distance against Cardinal Stritch but fell by scores of 25-17, 20-25, 17-25, 25-19, 5-15.

Up next: Valley City State will hit the road again next weekend for the Concordia (Neb.) Bulldog Bash Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Morningside College 3, VCSU 1
The Vikings were tied with Morningside College after two sets, but the Mustangs closed out the match with 25-11 and 25-14 wins in sets three and four. Morningside is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

Clarissa Olson (11) and Paige Benson (9) combined for 20 kills to lead VCSU's offense in the match. Freshmen Makayla Wetzel and Reagan Ingstad each served two aces, and Charlotte Huschka led the defense with 15 digs. Olson also have five block assists and hit .409 in the match. As a team, the Vikings hit .079 compared to .303 for Morningside.

Cardinal Stritch 3, VCSU 2
The Vikings rallied from a 2-1 deficit to force a fifth and deciding set in Saturday's finale. After the Vikings won set four, 25-19, Cardinal Stritch sealed the match with a 15-5 win in set five.

Olson and Benson had big matches again, both hitting over .400 as they combined for 22 kills. Madison Brown added six kills and Autumn Johnson tallied five in the match.

Leah Ruter had a team-high 26 assists while Morganne Eppard served three of VCSU's 12 aces in the game. Charlotte Huschka posted a season-high 21 digs.

VCSU hit .117 as a team while Cardinal Stritch hit .173.