The Montana State University-Northern Skylights played in a Frontier Conference game on Friday night, sweeping Valley City State University, 3-0, by scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-13.
Northern established control early, hitting .387 in the opening set while committing just two attack errors. The Skylights built an early advantage and held off the Vikings, 25-20, to take a 1-0 lead.
The second set featured a tighter battle, with the teams trading points throughout. Northern's offense came through when it mattered most, as the Skylights closed out the set 25-23 to move within one set of the sweep.
Northern saved its strongest finish for the third set. The Skylights pulled away behind a strong defensive effort, holding Valley City State to just five kills and forcing 15 attack errors. Northern closed out the set 25-13 to complete the sweep.
Kendall Scheffelmear led the Skylights with eight kills while hitting an impressive .412.
Addison Falls Down and
Macy Uffelman each added seven kills, while
Caleigh Case finished with six kills and a team-high seven blocks.
Emily Bird directed the Northern offense with 19 assists, while Falls Down added 12 assists.
Josie Hasler and
Kambria Maloy each recorded 13 digs to lead the defensive effort, while Uffelman added 10 digs.
Northern finished the night with a .191 team hitting percentage, recording 35 kills on 110 attempts. The Skylights also held advantages in aces, 4-3, and blocks, 9-6.
Case's seven blocks led a strong performance at the net, while Falls Down contributed two blocks and Hasler added three. Maloy also provided a spark from the service line with two aces.
With the victory, Northern improves to
6-4 overall and 2-2 in Frontier Conference play. The Skylights will continue their homestand as they begin conference play with a strong 3-0 victory over Valley City State.
The Skylights play tomorrow at 2pm against Mayville State at home.
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