CHICAGO, Ill. -- In an electric, conference-opening match for North Park Women's Volleyball on Wednesday night, the Vikings tied a program high 13 blocks to beat the Elmhurst Bluejays, 3-1 (27-25, 16-25, 25-19, 25-23). North Park's 13 stuffed attacks was nearly triple their previous season high and ties a program record established on September 29, 2023, against Millikin.

The opening set was the most tumultuous, as 19  ties and a dozen lead changes would take place. The Bluejays' serving was formidable, driving five aces in the first set of the evening. Jada Wiley and Kali Phillips paced the Elmhurst with two aces each and Phillips added four kills. However, defense prevailed for NPU early and often. 

The Vikings totaled seven blocks in the first set, led by five block assists from sophomore middle blocker Meg Rothermel and four from senior opposite hitter Kharlie Simeona-French.

Astonishingly, no Viking had more than one kill in the opening frame.

Elmhurst ran away with the second set, putting the Vikings underwater on offense at -.043 while maintaining a .216 attack on their side. Blair Johnson and Keely Larson teamed up for four kills each. North Park managed just one block in the set, but the potent NPU offense would perk up in the third set.

Senior outside hitter Adriana Rodriguez drove a set-leading six kills in the third, accompanied by three from Simeona-French and a pair of block assists for Rothermel. The Vikings hit .375 en route to the 25-19 win but the Bluejays wouldn't call it quits.

After NPU jumped out to a brief 2-1 lead, the Bluejays would tie it at 2-2 before powering ahead to a 16-10 advantage. Following a timeout by North Park Coach Michael Sopocy, the Vikings would capture seven of the next nine points to close the gap to 18-17. From there, all four of North Park's kills would be sent in off the hand of Rodriguez. Coupled with a handful of Bluejay attacking errors and a block by senior outside hitter Shamyia Collier, the Vikings would secure the fourth and final set, 25-23.

Quick Hits:

• Vikings tie program high with 13 blocks
  • Eight blocks for Rothermel (good for second all-time in a four set match)
    • Career high for her
  • Six blocks for Simeona-French and four for senior middle blocker Rhianna Huebner and Rodriguez
    • Career high for Rodriguez, Simeona French ties career mark
• Rodriguez led the evening with 15 kills
• Junior defensive specialist Abby Ames establishes career high with 11 digs
• Bluejay serving a roller coaster ride - 16 aces and 23 errors
• Jada Wiley with 13 kills for the Bluejays

What's Next?

North Park (9-0, 1-0 CCIW) steps back out of CCIW play on Friday, September 20, to host its second tri-match in a week. The Vikings will play Aurora at 2:00 PM before No. 19 Calvin at 7:00 PM, both inside Carlson Gym.