GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico -- The North Park University Vikings Women's Volleyball team opened their season with impressive back-to-back victories against the Buffalo State University Bengals and the Rowan University Profs. Both matches were swept in straight sets in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Game 1: Vikings vs. Bengals
In their first match against Buffalo State University, the Vikings quickly established their dominance. The team won all three sets convincingly: 25-19, 25-20, and 25-19. Adriana Rodriguez was the star of the match, contributing significantly to the Vikings' victory with 15 kills, 5 aces, and 8 digs. Her 5 aces tied for the 6th-most all-time in a 3-set match, marking the third time she has achieved this feat. Moreover, her 20.5 points are now the 5th-most all-time in a 3-set match, adding yet another milestone to her illustrious career.
Game 2: Vikings vs. Profs
The Vikings carried their momentum into the second match against Rowan University, where they delivered another straight-set victory with scores of 25-15, 25-19, and 25-22. Once again, Adriana Rodriguez led the charge with 16 kills, 3 aces, and 14 digs. Her performance was instrumental in the team's success, and her efforts on the court propelled her into 2nd place on the all-time career kills leaderboard at North Park University, surpassing Viking Hall of Famer Lauren Wiltsie. With 1,434 career kills, Rodriguez is now chasing the top spot, held by Shelby Switzer with 1,736 kills.
Rodriguez now holds 2nd place with 1,653.5 points. She is rapidly closing in on the top spot, just behind Switzer's 1,934 points.
Carolina Aviles was another standout player, recording 22 digs against Rowan University, tying for the 7th-most all-time in a 3-set match for a Viking. The Vikings as a team also made history with 71 digs, tying for the 5th-most all-time in a 3-set match.
As the season progresses, the Vikings will look to build on their early successes. With Adriana Rodriguez on the verge of breaking more records and a strong team performance backing her up, the North Park University Vikings Women's Volleyball team is poised for an exciting season ahead.
- 31 kills for Rodriguez on the day, who added eight aces and 22 digs
- 14 kills for Rothermel, Collier with a dozen
- 40 digs for Aviles, 21 for Kharlie Simeona-French
- Three blocks each for Rhianna Huebner and Simeona-French
The Vikings return to the court tomorrow, September 1st in Guyanbo, Puerto Rico at Mario Morales Coliseum. Start time is set for 10 a.m. E.T.
