Women’s volleyball powers through season

The women’s volleyball team began their season back in August with most games resulting in a victory. The team is currently #8 in the NAIA top 25 coaches’ poll as they move into the second half of their season. 

The V-Hawks played their first game of the season on Aug. 18 against Eastern Oregon University. Following their historic 2021-2022 season, the team won their first game 3-1. The V-Hawks followed this with another win against Montana Tech, beating them 3-1. Starting the season 2-0, the V-Hawks ended their winning streak to Vanguard University on Aug. 19. The V-Hawks had a series of wins and losses throughout August. The team wrapped up with a win against Lindsay Wilson College, leaving them with an overall score of 4-3. 

September started with a loss for the V-Hawks against the Concordia University Bulldogs on Sept. 2 at the College of Saint Mary/United Sports Academy Labor Day Classic. The team started the game with a 3-2 lead. The lead consisted of a kill from Mariah Calkins with an assist from Lauryn Sobasky and an ace by Adrianna Reinhart. The V-hawks scored numerous times in each round, but the bulldogs proved to be tough opponents. Unfazed by their loss, they prepared for their second game later that day. 

The V-Hawks came back stronger with a clean sweep against the Tabor College Lady Jay’s. Viterbo managed to score a 6-0 lead at the top of the game with kills from Jada Mitchell and Kenzie Winker. After finishing the day with a win, the V-Hawks had high hopes for September. Following their win, the team moved on to the second day of the CSM tournament on Sept. 3. The V-Hawks started the afternoon with a 3-0 win against St. Mary’s University followed by a 3-1 win against Morningside University. The V-hawks remained #9 in the NAIA poll after the CSM tournament.  

On Sept. 9, Viterbo hosted the Onalaska Days Inn & Suites Volleyball Invitational at the R.W. Beggs. Sr. Gymnasium. The team started their day with a win against the Taylor University Trojans. The game started off strong with kills from Mitchell and Grace Rohde. The V-Hawks had a lead of 4-3 but the Trojans weren’t backing down. They came back with a series of kills, leaving the V-Hawks down 4-9. The V-Hawks fought back and gained the lead with kills from Rhode and an ace from Taylor Larson. The first round ended 28-23 for Viterbo and an overall of 3-1.  

The V-Hawks moved into their second game of the day against the Bethel University Pilots. The second game proved to be a challenge for the V-Hawks as they struggled to maintain the lead. The V-Hawks lost to Bethel with a final score of 3-1.  

The team moved through September with a monthly score of 10-3 and a season score of 14-6. After a win against Valley City State on Sept. 24, the V-hawks moved to #8 in the NAIA poll. The team finished September strong and began October with two wins under their belt. The V-Hawks are only halfway through the season with many challenges to come. The team will continue to work hard and advance their NAIA ranking. 

The V-Hawks will play most of their games at the R.W. Beggs. Sr. Gymnasium at Viterbo this month. Those wanting to support the women’s volleyball team can visit the Viterbo Athletics website to find out when they play next.