CHICAGO, Ill. -- In their first hosted tri-match of 2024, the North Park Women's Volleyball team enjoyed a pair of straight-set wins over Adrian and Illinois Tech on Saturday.

Against the Bulldogs, the Vikings centered around a career performance by senior opposite hitter Kharlie Simeona-French, who set a personal record with 18 kills in the match. Senior outside hitter Adriana Rodriguez bolstered that attack with 11 kills of her own and four service aces.

The Vikings hit .179 in the match, but utilized nine aces, three blocks and 64 digs. Two of those aces came from freshman utility player Cate Freeman while blocks were tallied by Simeona-French (2) and a pair from senior middle blocker Rhianna Huebner.

Junior libero Carolina Aviles led the NPU defense with 19 digs while Rodriguez added 13.

On Adrian's side, Kayla Chan had five blocks while Mya Minjares posted a match-leading 25 digs.

In a heated battle with the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks, the service game stood tall for North Park once more. The Vikings totaled 13 points through aces despite a valiant effort from the IIT defense. 

Five of those aces were off the hand of junior outside hitter Annaliese Rottman, who set a career high with five in tonight's match. Rodriguez added three aces and senior setter Mary Kate Giesen and Aviles each added two. 

Rodriguez supplied the offense with a match-leading 16 kills, followed by 10 from Rottman. 

The Scarlet Hawks were held to individual single-digit kill totals but utilized seven blocks to keep the set play close. IIT's Karla Leonte, London Francis, and Victoria Aspurez added four, three, and three blocks respectively.

What's Next?

North Park (8-0) finally opens up the CCIW portion of its schedule with a home match against Elmhurst this coming Thursday, September 19. First serve in Carlson Gym is set for 7:00 PM CT.