(Madison, SD) –
Dakota State University's comeback attempt against Dakota
Wesleyan came up short Tuesday in non-conference
intercollegiate volleyball at the DSU Field House.
Despite the loss, DSU Coach Cynthia Henning felt that her
team made some strides forward.
"Last night we took steps in the right direction," said
Henning. "We have been stressing to our players about
playing hard and taking care of the small things -- passing,
defense and so forth. I felt that we did that last night."
Trailing 0-2 after the first two games, DSU (4-7) fought its way to a
30-all tie in the third game. Dakota Wesleyan
(5-12), however, notched the final two points and sealed up
the duel win with a 34-32
third-game victory.
DSU saw early-game leads dwindle in the first face-off,
where Dakota Wesleyan posted a 30-28 win.
"We relaxed in the first game," said Henning. "We had a lead on the Lady
Tigers, and then we allowed them back into the game."
Dakota Wesleyan posted a 30-25 win in the second game,
setting up the third and deciding game.
DSU got team-leading performances by Stacy Dunklau,
Stephanie Nygaard and Rachael Jensen.
"Stacy led our offensive effort with 22 kills," added
Henning. "Stephanie is continuing to get strong in our
libero (defensive specialist) position and led us with her
27 digs. Rachael followed with her 21 digs."
Dakota Wesleyan's win was sparked by Maria Wieneke's
11 kills and Beth Kopfmann's 30 assists.
Cheri Klabenes was DWU's defensive leader, garnering 17
digs, and Leslie Nebelsick added 12.
Kalie Whealy, a Madison graduate, came through with four
solo blocks and assisted on five other stops.
"From our younger players, we continue to see improvement in their court
performances," concluded Henning. "Also, our
veterans continue to be mainstays for us."
DSU takes on S.D. Tech on Friday in Rapid City and Black
Hills State Saturday in Spearfish. Both matches start at 7
p.m. mountain time.
Nick Huntimer,
Dakota State Sports Information Director
