MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Augsburg University [7-12,2-2 MIAC] edged Hamline University [7-9,2-4 MIAC] in a tense five-set match at Si Melby Hall, winning 29-27, 14-25, 19-25, 25-11, 15-12. Hamline's offensive highlight included 53 kills, led by a strong performance in the second and third sets.
In the opening set, Augsburg edged the Pipers 29-27 in a tightly contested battle. Hamline's Johnson led the offensive effort with several critical kills, contributing to a back-and-forth set that saw numerous ties, including one at 27-27. However, Augsburg capitalized on key errors from Hamline, ultimately allowed Augsburg to close the set 29-27.
Hamline controlled the second set early with a 7-2 advantage, fueled by three service aces and consistent kills from
Grace Bathurst and
Claire Kaups. Augsburg struggled with attack errors, contributing to Hamline's lead, as Marley Mitchell's errors and strong blocks from
Lexi Helmin and
Nora Cairns widened the gap. Hamline capitalized on these opportunities to secure the set 25-14, with
Cameryn Sand assisting on multiple kills to finish the set.
In set three, Hamline capitalized on a series of Augsburg attack errors to build momentum, highlighted by a critical 7-0 run that extended their lead to 11-6. Bathurst and Johnson both contributed significantly with multiple kills, while Helmin's blocking prowess stifled Augsburg's attempts to close the gap. The Pipers secured the set 25-19, maintaining a steady advantage through consistent offensive execution.
Augsburg capitalized on Hamline's errors to secure a decisive 25-11 victory in the fourth set. Augsburg built momentum with three service aces and took advantage of eight attack errors from Hamline, creating a gap that the Pipers could not close. Despite a few successful kills from Helmin and Johnson, Hamline struggled to find consistency, while Augsburg's balanced attack, led by Jovial King's multiple assists, propelled them to the set win.
Augsburg narrowly edged the Pipers in the decisive fifth set, 15-12, largely due to a series of timely kills and capitalizing on attack errors by their opponents. Despite Hamline's efforts, including key kills from Kaups and Helmin, Augsburg's Taliah Triggs and Mitchell delivered crucial points, with Triggs recording multiple kills.
Bathurst led the team with 16.0 points, recording 13 kills on 25 attempts and adding two service aces. Sand facilitated the attack with 38 assists, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Helmin was a key presence at the net, tallying seven total blocks and adding 10 kills.
Mandy Dierks contributed defensively with 13 digs, while also serving three aces.
The Pipers will be on the road next Tuesday, October 21 for a non-conference match against UW-Stout in Menomonie, Wis. at 7 PM.