NAPERVILLE, Ill. – A 3-1 win over North Central College on Friday night secured a new best for North Park women's volleyball. Earning their 20th win of the season, Head Coach Michael Sopocy's Vikings finished second in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) standings, their highest finish in program history.
Every set was a nail biter in the Vikings' final CCIW match of the regular season, as both teams would reach at least 20 points in each of the four sets. North Park won the opening two sets, 25-23 and 30-28, utilizing .263 and .226 attacking percentages, respectively. The Vikings had a bit of a hiccup in the third set, marking a.160 hitting percentage in their only loss of the night, but bounced back in the fourth set, 25-21.
Kills were aplenty tonight, as three Vikings reached double digits totals. Adriana notched a season third-best 26 kills, leading all attackers, Kailyn Matthews tied a season high with 18 kills, and Rhianna Huebner totaled a season second best 12 kills.
The Vikings' 67 kills against the Cardinals sets a new school record against a CCIW opponent, is the highest four-set total ever, and is the fourth-highest total in school history. Additionally, North Park's 59 assists is the second-highest four-set total ever, only behind the 61 assists against Baldwin Wallace last month.
Quick Hits:
- 26 kills for Rodriguez
- Four blocks for Christina Gatta, which ties a career high
- Gatta with a season second-best 49 assists in four sets of action
- Vikings finish with winning conference record for the first time ever
- Five CCIW wins and the second-place finish also set new program bests
- North Park secures a bye in the CCIW Tournament
What's Next?
North Park (20-8, 5-3 CCIW) rounds out its regular season at home tomorrow, October 29, against the University of Dubuque. First serve for the senior day match is set for 1:00 PM CST.
