Tigers take two on day one in Omaha

OMAHA, Neb. – The Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team got back on track with two wins on the first day of the College of Saint Mary Tournament Friday in Omaha, Neb.

The Tigers won all six of their sets, sweeping Grace University and Presentation College. DWU topped the Royals 25-20, 25-20, 25-10, before knocking off the Saints 25-13, 30-28, 25-23. The wins move the Tigers to 8-2 on the season.

Against the Royals, senior Lauren Tadlock (Rapid City, S.D.) led the offense with 13 kills, while adding seven digs. Senior Dana Misiaszek (Mitchell, S.D.) added nine kills, while senior Michelle Van Epps (Lakefield, Minn.) chipped in with eight to go along with 33 assists. Senior Taylor Spence (North Branch, Minn.) continued to excel in her new role as a the Tigers' Libero, posting a team-high 23 digs, while senior Emily Pengilly (Watertown, S.D.) added 16 digs in the win.

In the second match of the day, the Tigers rallied in the second set to preserve the sweep of Presentation. Tadlock continued her offensive production with 19 kills, while Misiaszek added 11. Van Epps recorded 41 assists, while Spence added 21 digs. In her first significant match time on varsity this season, freshman Kimberly VanBockern (Lake Preston, S.D.) recorded four kills and four block assists.

The Tigers continue play at the CSM tournament against Mount Mercy University and William Penn University starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Omaha, Neb.