CHICAGO, Ill. -- A year ago, to the date, the Benedictine Eagles stole one away from NPU Women's Volleyball with a 3-2 win. However, the 15th-ranked Vikings got that one back on Thursday night, enjoying a straight-sets win to open the home portion of their season.
North Park tied a season high with 44 kills in a three-set match, powered by a match-leading 18 by senior outside hitter Adriana Rodriguez.
The Vikings also utilized 10 aces in the short match, including four by junior libero Carolina Aviles and a pair by senior opposite hitter Kharlie Simeona-French.
In her first home collegiate start, sophomore Kendal Britton set a new career high for assists in a three-set match, setting up 36 kills for the Vikings. In fact, she was only five assists off an earlier career high of 41 set in the Vikings' previous match that went five sets against Ohio Wesleyan on September 1.
Sophomore middle blocker Meg Rothermel led the Vikings with three blocks while senior outside hitter Shamyia Collier added a pair. Four Vikings aided to the defense with double-digit dig totals: Rodriguez (21), Aviles and Britton with 14 each, and Simeona-French with 11. Britton's 14 digs represent a career high while Rodriguez' 21 are a new season best.
Additionally, senior middle blocker Rhianna Huebner hit .667 with four kills in only two sets played.
Other Historical Notes
- 21 digs for Rodriguez ties for 10th-most all-time in a three-set match.
- The team's 77 digs is the 2nd-most in a three-set match, trailing only the 79 digs made against St. Benedict on Sept. 2, 2022.
What's Next?
North Park (5-0) heads to Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, September 6, for a match with the Kalamazoo Hornets. First serve is set for 6:00 PM ET.
Preseason Interviews, featuring Head Coach Michael Sopocy
