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BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Trojans down Bruins in NSAA Semifinals in five sets

Freshman Sierra Athen led all players with 14 kills on the night.
Freshman Sierra Athen led all players with 14 kills on the night.

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LA CROSSE, Wis. -- The 25th-ranked Bellevue University volleyball team battled back from a two-set deficit before falling in five sets (20-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 9-15) to Dakota State University Friday night in the semifinals of the North Star Athletic Association Tournament being held at Beggs Sr. Gymnasium on the campus of Viterbo University. 

DSU (19-12) advanced to the championship match and will face the winner of the Viterbo vs. Valley City State match at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The winner will receive an automatic berth into the NAIA National Tournament. 

Freshman Sierra Athen led the Bruins with 14 kills eight digs and two service aces. Senior Shayla Scanlan added nine kills and a match-high five blocks. 

Defensively, the Bruins were led by freshman Madi Evans' 22 digs. 

Freshman Olivia Galas recorded her team-leading 12th double-double of the season, finishing with 41 assists and 11 digs while adding three service aces. 

Outside hitters Maddie Polzin (12) and Barbara Briceno (11) combined for 23 kills to lead the Trojan attack. 

Despite leading DSU in nearly every statistical category, the Bruins were plagued by 27 attacking errors and 14 service errors in the loss. 

The Bruins (23-11) will learn of their post-season fate when selections to the NAIA National Tournament are announced on Monday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.