V-Hawks Win Opening Round, Qualify for 11th Straight Final Site

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Women's Volleyball team, ranked #14 in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll, won their NAIA Women's Volleyball National Tournament Opening Round match against Morningside University at home on Saturday afternoon. The V-Hawks improve to 26-9 on the year, while the Mustangs season ends at 22-11.

From the opening point the V-Hawks were in a battle for the lead, with kills by Jada Mitchell and Martina McGrath the advantage volleyed back and forth. McGrath working at the net to close the gap as the V-Hawks fell behind, the Mustangs would outplay.

Sadie Treptow would open the second set for the V-Hawks followed by a kill by freshman Hailee Halverson. Taking to the offensive the V-Hawks would go on a pair of four point runs with big blocks by Mitchell and Halverson and Mitchell and Grace Peyron. McGrath bringing the hammer down to claim set two.

Cailie Kowal finding Mitchell once again for the kill would propel the V-Hawks into the lead backed up by kills by McGrath and Izzy Jahr. With the four point lead Kenidi McCabe would find Halverson for the set ending kill.

The V-Hawks one set away from victory would take over the lead on a four point run with McCabe on service and Mitchell blocking at the net. Falling behind, Mia Quist's triple service ace would bring the momentum up looking towards the end. Halverson set up by Maddie Connor would be the perfect opportunity to reclaim the lead, with Treptow finding the perfect spot sealing the deal.

Halverson, McGrath, and Mitchell all led the V-Hawks with 13 kills each, while Kowal supplied 21 assists each and McCabe took 27 digs. Sydney Marlow  led the Mustangs with 18 kills.

The V-Hawks will travel to Sioux City for their 11^th straight trip to the Women's Volleyball Championship final site.