The Dragon volleyball team went 1-1 in their home-opening tournament, the Tharaldson Classic, this past weekend against the Northern State Wolves, Aberdeen, S.D., and the St. Cloud (Minn.) State Huskies.

The Wolves defeated the Dragons in their first outing 3-1 (25-15, 25-22, 19-25, 25-20). After losing the first two sets, the Dragons took the third set by six points. However, the Wolves had the edge in the fourth set and took the victory 25-20.

Junior outside hitter Heidi Lensing paced the Dragons with 14 kills and 25 digs. Junior setter Anna Olson racked up 44 assists and 12 digs, while freshman outside hitter Morgan Gradishar posted 10 kills and 11 digs and junior libero Katy Ness added 25 digs.

In the second match of the day, the Dragons shut out the Huskies three games to zero (25-19, 26-24, 25-23).

Lensing took command once again with 16 kills and 14 digs. Olson tallied up 33 assists and eight digs while Gradishar put down nine kills and sophomore outside hitter Angie Waller dug up 13 digs.

On the second day of the tournament, the Dragons fell to the Vikings of Augustana  College, Sioux Falls, S.D., to finish the weekend. The Vikings won the match 3-1 (25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 25-22).

After the Vikings topped the Dragons in the first two sets, the Dragons came back to claim the third set 25-21. The fourth set was very competitive, but the Vikings took it in the end 25-22 to win the match.

Lensing led the Dragons with 13 kills and 20 digs. Olson tallied 37 assists while junior Ness added 35 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Annie Palmquist managed 15 kills.

The Dragons moved to an overall record of 2-5 on the season. They are set to take on the Beavers of Bemidji (Minn.) State on Friday in Bemidji.

BY DANNY DETERMAN
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