CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park got back in the win column for Senior Night on Saturday, defeating Dominican 3-0 (25-21, 25-12, 25-18) at Carlson Gymnasium.
The Vikings controlled the match from start to finish, recording 40 kills and nine service aces while limiting the winless Stars to a .063 hitting percentage.
North Park jumped out early in the opening set behind kills from freshman opposite hitter Gia Sylvestre, senior right-side hitter Grace Morrow, senior outside hitter Rian Hobbs, and senior middle blocker Meg Rothermel. Back-to-back service aces from junior defensive specialist Carmella Rio helped the Vikings extend their lead to 15-8.
Dominican answered with a push of its own as Kathryn Ksiezak and Jaylynn Miller combined for several late points, trimming the deficit to 24-21. North Park halted the comeback attempt when junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Maya Huelsman put away the set-clinching kill to secure a 25-21 win.
The Vikings seized complete control in the second set. Rothermel and senior opposite hitter Mercy Osayemi paced the attack as North Park built a 16-11 advantage. Dominican stayed within striking distance behind Miller, but Hobbs took over at the service line late in the set. The senior delivered five consecutive aces during a 9-1 closing run as the Vikings cruised to a 25-12 victory and a two-set lead.
North Park wasted little time putting the match away in the third. Setter Kendal Britton orchestrated an early 6-0 run with assists on kills by Huelsman, Rothermel, and Osayemi.
Dominican battled back behind Miller and Ksiezak, cutting the margin to 15-14 midway through the frame.
The Vikings quickly responded. Huelsman, Rothermel, and Morrow each produced key kills during a decisive stretch before freshman opposite hitter Gia Sylvestre helped bring North Park to match point. Junior middle blocker Ivy Newville finished off the sweep with the final kill of the evening.
Hobbs led North Park with 11.5 points, five service aces, and six kills. Rothermel added seven kills while hitting .313, and Newville was dominant in the middle with six kills on eight attacks and three blocks. Osayemi contributed seven kills, Britton dished out 25 assists, and junior defensive specialist/libero Xenia Gonzales totaled nine digs.
Dominican was led by Miller's six kills and Perry's match-high 12 digs. Ksiezak added four kills while setters Olivia Pollak and Mawedda Abu-Shukhaidem combined for 15 assists.
What's Next?
With the victory, North Park looks to continue to build wins in its non-conference schedule. The Vikings will host Benedictine next Tuesday, October 6, for a 6:00 PM match in Carlson.
