Trojans top Tigers in four games

MADISON, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team dropped its final nonconference matchup of the season against instate rival Dakota State University in four games Tuesday in Madison, S.D.

The game scores were 23-25, 28-26, 25-22, 26-24, as the Tigers and Trojans battled through a close contest for the second time this season.

The Tigers were led on offense by sophomore Lauren Tadlock (Rapid City, S.D.) with a team-high 20 kills. Tadlock also finished with 22 digs for the DWU defense, while sophomore Mallory Jark (Warner, S.D.) added 10 kills and six total blocks. The DWU front line totaled 15 blocks as a team.

Junior Libero Maggie Stehly (Sioux Falls, S.D.) collected a team-high 26 digs, while junior defensive specialist Mackenzie Stevens (Polk, Neb.) added 15 digs. Sophomore setter Michelle Van Epps (Lakefield, Minn.) had a match-high 49 assists and added 13 digs. Sophomore Taylor Spence (North Branch, Minn.) chipped in with 10 digs.

The Trojans were led by Carly Rozell with 20 kills, while Caitlin Pick added 15 kills.

The Tigers (8-18) return to Great Plains Athletic Conference play with a road matchup against Dordt College at 7:30 p.m. in Sioux Center, Iowa.