LISLE, Ill. -- The North Park University Women's Volleyball Team ran its winning streak to six matches following a 3-0 sweep (25-18, 25-16, 25-22) over Benedictine University on Thursday night at the Rice Center. Senior libero Carolina Aviles climbed to third on North Park's all-time Digs list in the win, currently totaling 1,665 in her career.
North Park opened the match with a strong offensive rhythm, once again spearheaded by senior outside hitter Shamyia Collier, who notched multiple kills early, including the first point of the match. After a brief tie at 3-3, the Vikings pulled away thanks to a series of attack errors by Benedictine and a service ace from freshman defensive specialist Tessa Wabiszewski. Junior middle blocker Meg Rothermel added back-to-back kills to extend the lead, and senior outside hitter Kharlie Simeona-French closed the set with a kill and a service ace to seal the 25-18 win.
North Park wasted no time in the second set, jumping out to a 9-1 lead behind kills from senior middle blocker Riana Hayes, Simeona-French, and Rothermel, along with a service ace from sophomore defensive specialist Carmella Rio. The Vikings' defense, anchored by senior libero Carolina Aviles and sophomore defensive specialist Cate Freeman, kept Benedictine off balance and out of sync. Collier continued her offensive showcase with multiple kills, and sophomore outside Payton Smith capped the set with a kill from junior setter Cassidy Mullens to secure the 25-16 win.
The final set saw 10 ties and six lead changes, with Benedictine fighting to stay alive. North Park leaned on its depth, with sophomore middle blocker Ivy Newville and Smith contributing key kills.
Collier remained a catalyst for the offense, recording five kills in the final stretch.
With the score tied at 19-19, North Park surged ahead thanks to a kill from Hayes and a final blow from Simeona-French, who ended the match with a kill set up by junior setter Kendal Britton, sealing the 25-22 victory.
North Park sent 16 different Vikings ot the court, and 10 of them registered at least a point. Benedictine blocking strength was evident, totaling 10 in just three sets, but 43 kills from the Vikings made it an easy night for the Blue & Gold.
Quick Hits:
What's Next?
North Park (12-2, 1-0 CCIW) returns to action this Saturday, September 20, at the Calvin Invite. The Vikings play Heidelberg University (9-4) at 11:30 AM ET before Cornell College (3-5) at 2:00 PM ET.
