By: Scott DCamp, Northland Communications
Grand Rapids, Minn. - The Northland Community & Technical College volleyball team picked up a big road win over the Itasca Vikings Wednesday night to temporarily move into sole possession of second place in the MCAC Northern Division. The Pioneers defeated the Vikings 25-14, 21-25, 25-16, 25-17 to improve to 7-4 in division play and 8-9 overall.
The win over the Vikings gives the Pioneers a half-match lead over both Vermilion, who defeated Mesabi Range 3-1 Wednesday night, and idle Hibbing, who are both 6-4 in division play.
The Pioneers host a pair of non-conference matches this weekend's Pioneer Classic – a triangular that also includes Dakota College at Bottineau (9-14) and Rainy River (2-8 MCAC North, 4-12 overall). Northland faces Dakota College at 10 a.m.; Dakota College faces Rainy River at noon. and Northland faces Rainy River at 2 p.m.
The Pioneers host Vermilion (6-4 MCAC North, 8-5 overall) for their final MCAC Northern Division game at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20 and they wrap up the regular season at home against Oak Hills Christian College (Bemidji) at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 22.
Northland 3, Itasca 1
- Scores - Northland wins 25-14, 21-25, 25-16, 25-17.
- Assists - Chloe Kuznia 29, Kylie Solheim 3, Liberty Johnson 1.
- Kills - Madison Witte 13, Chloe Kuznia 8, Vivian Coan 7, Madison Paulson 7, Katelynn Nordine 3, Liberty Johnson 3.
- Service Aces - Madison Paulson 6, Katelynn Nordine 2, Madison Witte 1.
- Blocks (solo-assist) - Libety Johnson 1-5, Madison Paulson 0-3, Vivian Coan 0-1, Madison Witte 0-1, Katelynn Nordine 0-1, Chloe Kuznia 0-1.
- Digs - Vivian Coan 18, Kylie Solheim 16, Chloe Kuznia 15, Haven Beckett 9, Katelynn Nordine 8, Madison Paulson 3, Liberty Johnson 1.