DWU outlasts rival Dakota State in 5 sets

MADISON, S.D. – With each set decided by four points or less, the Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team edged Dakota State University in five sets for a nonconference win Tuesday in Madison, S.D.

The Tigers rebounded from a first-set loss to win three of the next four to defeat the Trojans (0-7), 22-25, 25-23, 26-24, 21-25, 15-13. The win moves DWU to 6-1 overall this season, matching the best start for the team under third-year coach Lindsay Wilber.

Senior Lauren Tadlock (Rapid City, S.D.) finished one kill shy of a career high with 27 to lead the DWU offense, as she has in each match this season. Tadlock added 11 digs to finish with a double-double, while assisting on four blocks.

Senior Dana Misiaszek (Mitchell, S.D.) was also a factor for DWU on offense, posting 13 kills. Freshman Rebecca Frick (Yankton, S.D.) chipped in with eight kills in the win. The DWU offense moved forward with the pacing of senior setter Michelle Van Epps (Lakefield, Minn.), who posted a match-high 53 assists. Van Epps recently moved into fourth place on the DWU all-time assists list and now has 2,308 in her career. She added 14 digs for a double-double.

The Tiger defense was propelled by senior Libero Taylor Spence (North Branch, Minn.) with 26 digs, while senior Emily Pengilly (Watertown, S.D.) and sophomore Leslie Carsrud (Rapid City, S.D.) added 16 and 13 digs, respectively.

DWU hits the road again against Morningside College at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Sioux City, Iowa.