Rustlers Women's Volleyball | Weekend Recap - February 7 & 8, 2020

The Rustlers women's volleyball team suffered 2 losses to the Augustana Vikings this past weekend, ending their 16-game win streak.

On Friday night, in Lloydminster the Rustlers fell to the Vikings in just 3 sets (13-25, 24-26, 16-25).

The Rustlers had a strong start thanks to some aggressive serving from first-year outside hitter, Madison Blain, where the Rustlers would go up 6-0 to start the game. The Rustlers then started to struggle to control the ball on their own side, paired with a bunch of missed serves they would lose the first set 13-25.

The Rustlers did not let the first set loss faze them, and they put up a good battle in the second set. They would a close second set in extra points, 24-26 to the Vikings and would be down 2 sets to 0.

The Vikings seemed to take their momentum and capitalize on the Rustlers struggling with ball control, and won the third set handily, 25-16, and took the match 3-0.

The Rustler effort was led by first-year outside hitter, Jenay Varga with 10 kills, 2 service aces, and 8 kills. Fourth-year right side, Bailee Weiler added 5 kills and 5 digs, and fourth year libero, Belle de Vries had a team-high 14 digs. Player of the game for the Rustlers was first year setter, Jana Laing with 8 digs and 25 assists.

On Saturday, the Rustlers looked to bounce-back and improve from their loss on Friday. The Rustlers did improve; however, the Rustlers would lose to the Vikings in 5 sets (20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 18-25, 11-15).

The Rustlers were much more comfortable on the court on Saturday and it showed in the first set. The Vikings still had their momentum from the night before so they would overpower the Rustlers in the first set 25-20.

The Rustlers settled in and served aggressive in the second set to put more pressure on the Vikings. It would pay of and the Rustlers would win the second set 25-21, and the third set even more handily, 25-14.

The Rustlers would struggle late in the fourth set, where the Vikings would come out on top 25-18 over the Rustlers to force a fifth and deciding set. In the fifth set the Vikings came out strong after their fourth set win, and at the switch they were up 8-6 over the Rustlers. The Vikings strong serving continued to put pressure on the Rustlers, and they would win the fifth set 15-11, and the match 3-2 over the Rustlers.

Once again, the Rustlers were led by outside hitter Jenay Varga with 16 kills, 1 service ace and 14 digs, and she was named player of the game. Right side, Bailee Weiler totaled 12 kills, 3 blocks, 1 service ace and 6 digs. First year outside hitter, Madison Blain added 8 kills, 2 service aces and 13 digs.

The Rustlers are heading into their last weekend of league before they have their bye weekend and then head to the ACAC Conference Championships at the end of February. On Saturday, February 15 they will be taking on the King's University Eagles in their last home game of the season at 6 pm.

Saturday is also Senior's Night where fifth-year middle Blocker, Avery Maginel will be celebrated  for her dedication to the women's volleyball team for the past 5 years.