Thanks to Virginia Smith for the pictures
CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University women's volleyball team hosted a competitive, non-conference tri-meet on Saturday afternoon, hosting Greenville University and 11th-ranked UW-Eau Claire. The Vikings fell, 3-1, in both matches.
Head Coach Michael Sopocy certainly did not schedule this three-match day as a confidence builder, as the Vikings had the tall task of facing the 15-2, 11th-ranked UW-Eau Claire Blugolds on Saturday afternoon. His squad appeared to be up to the task early on, as the Vikings hit at a .340 clip with 19 kills, earning a 25-17 opening set win. However, the Blugolds won the next three sets after the Vikings fell victim to some inconsistent serving.
Despite out-attacking their opponents with a .219 hitting percentage compared to UW-Eau Claire's .209, the Vikings could not make up for their 15 service errors in the 3-1 loss.
Brily Pence led the Vikings with 13 kills and three blocks while Taylor Guy was close behind with 12 kills and three blocks of her own. Christina Gatta added 37 assists and an ace.
Things did not get easier for NPU in the next match, as they took on 11-2 Greenville University to end the tri.
 This matchup was nearly identical to the opener, as North Park posted respectable numbers across the board except for one category – service errors. Again, the Vikings committed 15 errors via the serve en route to a four-set loss.Â
Adriana Rodriguez led all players with 18 kills. Shamyia Collier drove a career high 11 kills and added a pair of blocks and aces. Gatta and Katy Chess also picked up a pair of aces while Gatta totaled 45 assists.
What's Next?
North Park (11-6, 0-3 CCIW) moves back into league action this coming Wednesday, October 6, for a road match with Augustana College. Tipoff in Rock Island is set for 7 p.m.
