RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- North Park University Women's Volleyball remained undefeated with 3-0 sweeps over Bethel University and host Wisconsin River Falls to open their participation at the UW-River Falls Falcon Invite.
The Vikings aced the Royals eight times, including four by senior libero Carolina Aviles to earn their first sweep before adding three aces each from junior setter Kendal Britton and freshman defensive specialist Tessa Wabiszewski in sweep two against the Falcons. Head Coach Michael Sopocy also enjoyed his 100th win at the helm of the North Park Women's Volleyball program in the best of Bethel earlier on Friday.
North Park 3, Bethel 0
The opening set was a tug-of-war, featuring 17 ties. Bethel jumped ahead early behind kills from Chiara Houser and Peyton Howie, but North Park responded with a balanced attack led by senior middle blocker Riana Hayes and senior outside hitter Annaliese Rottman. The duo continually struck off the block or found open areas of the court to keep up a strong attack on offense. A pair of service aces from Aviles helped NPU gain momentum midway through the set. With the score tied at 22, senior middle blocker Kharlie Simeona-French delivered a crucial kill, followed by a block from Hayes and Simeona-French, and a service ace from sophomore defensive specialist Cate Freeman to seal the set 25-22.
In set two, Bethel again kept pace early, with Sara Scherber and Hannah Penke keeping the Royals in the match. However, Britton continued to set NPU up effectively, guiding Simeona-French, Rottman, and sophomore outside hitter Payton Smith to timely kills. Aviles added another ace, and junior middle blocker Meg Rothermel came up big at the net with a block and kill to push NPU ahead. Despite a late push from Bethel, North Park closed out the set 25-22 with a kill from Smith.
The third set was the most dramatic, and one where the Royals nearly prevented a sweep, leading 24-20 and appearing poised to extend the match. But North Park mounted a stunning comeback. Rottman sparked the rally with back-to-back kills off and over the block, followed by a stuff from Rothermel and another kill from Rottman to tie the set at 24. After trading points, and a Bethel timeout, Rottman delivered her fourth kill of the final stretch, and Rothermel sealed the match with a block on Howie, giving NPU the 27-25 win.
Simeona-French and Rottman both posted 14 kills as Simeona-French posted a double-double with 11 digs. Britton had a double-double as well - 40 assists and 11 digs. Aviles added 4 aces while Rothermel had 4 blocks, including late in the match. Her 3 solo blocks ties for fourth all time at North Park.
North Park 3, UW-River Falls 0
North Park took control midway through the first set and it was full steam ahead after that. A kill by Rothermel and a pair of attack errors from River Falls helped the Vikings build momentum. Simeona-French and Smith added back-to-back kills to extend the lead before a service ace from Britton and two more from sophomore defensive specialist Carmella Rio pushed NPU ahead 21-13. The set ended with a kill from sophomore middle blocker Ivy Newville.
River Falls opened the second set with two quick kills from Lauren Noth, but North Park responded with a kill from Rottman and a service ace from Britton. A series of attack errors by River Falls - who finished the match with 16 - allowed NPU to stretch the lead. Simeona-French and Rottman continued to find success up front and Wabiszewski added a service ace to make it 22-13. Despite a late push from the Falcons, Smith closed the set with a kill set up from Newville.
The final set was the most competitive once again, with River Falls closing in on NPU late. Kelsey Klesner led the Falcons with several kills and two aces, but North Park's depth proved decisive. Senior outside hitter Shamyia Collier provided a jolt and Rottman delivered key kills to keep NPU pushing towards the sweep. Wabiszewski's service ace made it 24-20, and after a brief rally by River Falls, a service error ended the match in North Park's favor.
Simeona-French nearly turned in another double-double with 8 kills and a dozen digs. Wabiszewski enjoyed 3 aces to establish a new high in her young career while Rothermel posted 6 kills with a .545 hitting percentage. Britton and Rio also enjoyed career high with 3 and 2 aces, respectively.
What's Next?
North Park (6-0) stays at Don Page Arena for two more matches on Saturday, September 6. The Vikings start with Nebraska Wesleyan (5-1) at 11:00 AM CT before concluding their time at the Falcon Invite against Simpson (4-1) at 1:00 PM CT.
