MAYVILLE, N.D. – Valley City State University opened Frontier Conference play with a 3-1 victory over Mayville State University on Wednesday night.
The Vikings outlasted the Comets in a back-and-forth opening set, 29-27, before Mayville State evened the match with a 25-23 win in the second. VCSU responded by taking the final two sets, 25-23 and 25-18, to secure the conference victory.
VCSU trailed 24-20 late in the opening set before fighting off four set points to even the score at 24-24. The teams continued to trade points until the Comets took a 27-26 advantage. A Mayville State setting error tied the score, and back-to-back kills from Molly Bjorneby completed the comeback for a 29-27 Viking win.
The Vikings built a 12-5 advantage in the second set, but Mayville State rallied to take a 17-15 lead. VCSU answered with six straight points to move back in front, 21-17, before the Comets closed the set on an 8-2 run to earn the 25-23 victory.
Mayville State carried its momentum into the third set and opened a 12-5 advantage. VCSU responded with an 11-2 run, highlighted by four kills and a block from Madysen Geist, to take a 16-14 lead. The teams were tied at 22-22 before a Comet attack error and a Bjorneby kill gave the Vikings set point. Ellie Lucas later finished the frame with a kill to secure the 25-23 win.
VCSU took control early in the fourth set, using a 6-0 run to build a 13-5 advantage. Mayville State pulled within two at 16-14, but the Vikings responded and rebuilt their lead to 20-15. VCSU maintained control the rest of the way, and a Comet service error sealed the 25-18 set victory and the match.
Geist led the Viking offense with 11 kills while adding a match-high four solo blocks. Fresh off being named the Frontier Conference Attacker of the Week, Kadie Kocka recorded 10 kills with a .318 hitting percentage. Brynn Sorenson also totaled 10 kills while hitting a team-best .350.
Bjorneby finished with eight kills and a team-high 16 digs, while Eden Carrier added seven kills. Madden Bogenreif distributed 18 assists, and Gracie Schumacher recorded 16 assists and 12 digs. Annika Pulju added 12 digs and two service aces.
VCSU totaled 51 kills and hit .153 in the victory while limiting Mayville State to a .111 hitting percentage.
The Vikings return home Friday, Sept. 4, for a 6 p.m. matchup against Montana Western at Graichen Gymnasium. VCSU will then host Montana Tech at 1 p.m. Saturday.
