GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Valley City State University volleyball team challenged No. 7 University of Providence in the final two sets Saturday but ultimately fell to the Argos in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22 and 25-22.
Providence opened the match with a quick 3-0 advantage before VCSU answered to pull within two at 5-3. The Vikings later used a five-point run, which included a kill by Eden Carrier and an assisted block from Carrier and Ellie Lucas, to cut the deficit to 11-9. The Argos regained control from there and closed the opening set with a 25-16 victory.
VCSU found its offensive rhythm in the second set, recording 16 kills and a .220 hitting percentage. After falling behind 19-12, the Vikings put together a six-point rally behind Kadie Kocka's serve. Carrier contributed two kills during the run, while Brynn Sorenson added another to bring VCSU within one at 19-18. Providence responded and held off the Vikings to take the set, 25-22.
The Vikings built an early 9-6 advantage in the third set, highlighted by kills from Madysen Geist, Lucas and Molly Bjorneby, along with a service ace from Kinlee Sufficool. Providence moved ahead 20-18 before VCSU answered with three straight points, including kills from Bjorneby, Kocka and Geist, to reclaim a 21-20 lead.
Kocka later gave the Vikings their final advantage at 22-21, but the Argos scored the final four points to complete the sweep with another 25-22 victory.
Geist led VCSU with nine kills and just one error on 13 attacks, finishing with a .615 hitting percentage. She also added two block assists. Kocka recorded seven kills and a team-high 10 digs, while Carrier added five kills and three block assists.
Madden Bogenreif distributed a team-high 15 assists and added six digs and one service ace. Gracie Schumacher finished with 10 assists, eight digs and one ace, while Annika Pulju contributed seven digs and five assists.
Providence finished with 44 kills and a .276 team hitting percentage, while VCSU totaled 33 kills and hit .110. Bree MacDonald and Martyna Fiedler led the Argos with 11 kills apiece.
The loss moves Valley City State to 3-9 overall and 1-4 in Frontier Conference play, while Providence improves to 10-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
The Vikings return to their home court during VCSU Homecoming weekend, hosting Rocky Mountain College on Friday, Sept. 18. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. The match will also serve as Faculty and Staff Night.
