Fourth-ranked V-Hawks top Warriors, earn 21st straight win
By Waldorf Sports Information Director
LA CROSSE, Wisconsin – Fourth-ranked Viterbo University earned its 21st straight win after topping the Waldorf University volleyball team in straight sets during Wednesday’s North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) matchup.
“Our energy wasn’t consistent and each player was on at different times,” Waldorf interim co-head coach Mady Van Metre said.
The V-Hawks (24-2, 8-0) swept the Warriors (15-15, 4-4), winning by scores of 25-16, 26-24, 25-15. Viterbo is ranked No. 4 in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) poll.
Senior Brianna Haugen led the Warriors with 10 kills. Rebecca Bartnicki smashed eight kills as the 6-foot-1 junior middle hitter from Chicago posted a .571 hitting percentage.
Junior Erica Fee provided a service ace. Senior Valerie Rivera and freshman Elisabeth Tramm dished out 16 assists and seven assists, respectively. Junior Briley Sullivan collected 19 digs, Rivera scattered six digs and Tramm tallied five digs.
Waldorf junior April Jones finished with a total of three blocks. Bartnicki delivered three block assists. Junior Isabelle Rothbauer turned in a pair of block assists while Haugen, senior Megan Perkins and junior Kaitlyn Monck each contributed a block assist.
The V-Hawks overpowered the Warriors with a .374 hitting percentage for the match.
“Our defense struggled and our blocking fell short which allowed Viterbo to make runs,” Waldorf interim co-head coach Cecilia Brandon said.
Waldorf put together a competitive second-set with Viterbo, but came up short despite finishing the set with a .405 attack percentage.
“In the second set, our girls played with the fight we’ve been waiting to see from them this season,” Van Metre said.
The Warriors see the V-Hawks again when the two teams collide on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Hanson Fieldhouse.
“We are excited to have another opportunity to play Viterbo at our home court,” Brandon said. “We are ready to compete with such a talented team.”