DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State combined a balanced attack with a strong performance at the net Thursday night, sweeping Valley City State 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-19) in Frontier Conference play in Scott Gymnasium.
The Blue Hawks improved to 7-19 overall and 6-13 in the Frontier, moving even with Valley City State in conference play. The victory strengthened Dickinson State's position in the race for one of eight spots in the Frontier Conference Tournament.
"A much-needed win and a step in the right direction," head coach Stormy Owsley said. "A reminder of what we're capable of when we fight together. Let's carry this momentum into our final home game tomorrow!"
Dickinson State set the tone defensively, finishing with 11 blocks and holding Valley City State to a .033 hitting percentage. The Blue Hawks also held advantages of 40-33 in kills and 72-64 in digs.
The opening set provided the closest test. Dickinson State built an early 9-5 advantage before Valley City State worked its way back and eventually moved ahead 22-21.
The Blue Hawks responded by scoring the final 4 points. A pair of Valley City State errors put Dickinson State back in front, Ashtynn Egan followed with a kill and Carmen Pallone teamed with Cate Floy for a block to finish the 25-22 win.
Dickinson State found its offensive rhythm in the second. Leading 18-15, the Blue Hawks scored 4 straight points to create separation and went on to win 25-18.
The Blue Hawks produced their best offensive set of the night with 15 kills and only 2 errors on 36 attacks for a .361 hitting percentage.
Dickinson State carried that momentum into the third, using a 5-point run to turn a 2-2 tie into a 7-2 advantage. The Blue Hawks later stretched the lead to 18-11 and held Valley City State to .017 hitting on the way to a 25-19 victory and the sweep.
Pallone led Dickinson State offensively with 13 kills and only 1 error on 28 attacks, hitting .429 while adding 4 block assists. Aubrey Allison finished with 9 kills and 13 digs, while Egan recorded 8 kills on .238 hitting and a match-high 22 digs.
Macie Wheeler helped lead the effort at the net with 3 solo blocks and 2 block assists. Rylee Kogolshak finished with 34 assists, 6 digs, 2 kills, 4 block assists, a solo block and an ace. Taylor Gaer added 15 digs.
Dickinson State returns to Scott Gymnasium Friday for Senior Night and Pack the Place in Pink against Mayville State. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
