SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Augustana fell to second-ranked Southwest Minnesota State in three sets.  The first and third sets both went past 25 points for the winning team, proving that the Vikings did not go quietly.  The 27-25, 25-16, 31-29 non-conference defeat drops Augustana to 9-5 and the Mustangs improve to 12-1.

The Vikings built a lead early and had a chance to take the first set with two set points, but the Mustangs fought back and finished on a five-point run to take the first set 27-25.  A Jordan Spatenka kill put Augustana up 24-22 and in the driver's seat, but a miss-hit set by the Mustangs snuck over the net and found the floor to tie the match at 24-24 after a previous SMSU kill.

The second set was all Mustangs from the start.  Southwest Minnesota State continually built a lead, reaching its apex at 18-6.  Holly Hafemeyer led an Augustana charge late in the set, but it wasn't enough and the Mustangs coasted to a 25-16 victory.  The Vikings were held to a -.022 attack percentage and the Mustangs had 10 blocks in the second set.

Augustana fought off several match points and SMSU countered by fighting off several Viking set points.  The Mustangs eventually pulled out the marathon set, winning 31-29.  An ill-timed attack error evened the score at 23-23, but the Vikings wouldn't give up.

Hafemeyer led the offense with 17 kills and swung at a .306 clip.  The Vikings were held at .098 for their match attack percentage.

Marissa Johnson took over setting duties midway through the second set and finished with 20 assists in a set and a half of work.

Julia Witt scooped up 13 digs and Kayla Wallerich who switched to libero in the third set finished with 11.

The Vikings stay home in the Elmen Center and welcome University of Mary on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Courtesy:  Augustana College

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls