CHICAGO, Ill. — North Park University volleyball delivered a pair of dominant performances to open play at the 2025 Windy City Invite on Friday. The Vikings defeated both the Kalamazoo Hornets and Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors in straight sets.
Match 1: North Park over Kalamazoo
North Park started slowly in the first set, trailing 9–5 early. However, a series of kills by senior outside hitter Annaliese Rottman and senior middle blocker Kharlie Simeona-French, combined with quality chances from junior setter Kendal Britton, helped the Vikings rally. A crucial 6-1 run midway through the set shifted momentum, and North Park closed out the set 25-22.
In the second set, North Park took control early and never looked back. A pair of service aces by Britton and a string of kills from Rottman and junior middle blocker Meg Rothermel fueled a 10-2 run that put the set out of reach. The Vikings hit an impressive .433 in the frame, winning 25–14.
The third set was tightly contested, featuring 11 ties and 5 lead changes. North Park broke a 13-13 tie with a 5-1 run, highlighted by blocks from senior middle blocker Riana Hayes and sophomore outside hitter Payton Smith. Rottman sealed the match with her 18th kill, assisted once again by Britton.
Momentum Shifts & Key Plays
- Set 1: Down 9-5, North Park rallied with a 6-1 run to take the lead.
- Set 2: Britton's back-to-back service aces sparked a 10-2 run.
- Set 3: A late 5-1 run broke a 1313 tie, with Hayes and Smith contributing key blocks.
Top Performers – North Park
- Annaliese Rottman – 18 kills, .485 hitting percentage, 18.5 points
- Kendal Britton – 37 assists, 3 service aces, 9 digs
- Meg Rothermel – 9 kills, 3 blocks, 10.5 points
- Kharlie Simeona-French – 6 kills, 5 digs, 8.0 points
- Riana Hayes – 3 kills, 6 blocks, .500 hitting percentage
Match 2: North Park over Wisconsin Lutheran
North Park wasted no time asserting control in the opening set. After trading early points, the Vikings went on a 7–1 run behind kills from Rottman and Rothermel, and back-to-back service aces from freshman defensive specialist Tessa Wabiszewski. The Vikings' front line, led by Hayes, recorded multiple blocks to stifle the Warriors' attack, closing the set 25-13.
In the second set, momentum briefly shifted as Wisconsin Lutheran took a 5-4 lead following a trio of service aces. North Park responded with a 6-1 run, including a kill from Simeona-French and a service ace from senior outside hitter Shamyia Collier, reclaiming control. The Vikings' defense, anchored by senior libero Carolina Aviles, held strong as North Park took the set 25-17.
The third set was the most competitive, featuring five ties and two lead changes. With the score tied at 13-13, North Park surged ahead with a 6-1 run, highlighted by kills from senior outside hitter SaeAuna Reynolds and Rottman. The Vikings closed out the match 25-20, completing the double sweep.
Momentum Shifts & Key Plays
- Set 1: A 7-1 run midway through the set broke a 4–4 tie and gave North Park control.
- Set 2: Down 5–4, North Park responded with a 6–1 run to retake the lead.
- Set 3: Tied at 13–13, the Vikings went on a 6–1 run to pull away for good.
Top Performers - North Park
- Annaliese Rottman – 10 kills, .304 hitting percentage, 10.5 points
- Meg Rothermel – 5 kills, .444 hitting percentage, 7.0 points
- Riana Hayes – 3 kills, 7 blocks, .333 hitting percentage
- Kendal Britton – 18 assists, 2 service aces, 4 digs
- Carolina Aviles – 15 digs, 4 assists
- Shamyia Collier – 3 kills, 3 blocks, 5.5 points
Historical Notes
- Hayes ties a North Park record for most blocks in a three-set match with 6 against Kalamazoo, then breaks that record against Wisconsin Lutheran.
- Riana's seven blocks against WLC ties for 5th-most in any match, and her six blocks against Kalamazoo ties for 9th best in any match.
- NPU's 46 team kills against Kalamazoo ties for 7th-most in three-set matches.
- NPU's 45 team assists against Kalamazoo ties for 7th-most in three-set matches.
- The 9 team blocks apiece for NPU in each of today's two matches tie for 3rd-most in three-set matches.
- NPU's 61 team points against Kalamazoo ties for 6th-most in three-set matches.
What's Next?
North Park (8-2) has all the momentum on its side for Saturday's Day 2 of the Windy City Invite. The Vikings take on Franklin College at 11:30 AM CT before completing the tournament against Illinois College at 4:30 PM CT.
