ROCK ISLAND, IL. (November 8, 2024) – Nebraska Wesleyan volleyball capped off the regular season with back-to-back wins, sweeping St. Ambrose and outlasting Augustana (IL) in a four-set battle at the Carver PE Center. The pair of victories secured NWU's momentum heading into postseason play, where they will host #6 seed Loras College in the A-R-C Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
ST. AMBROSE
HOW IT HAPPENED
In their first match, the Prairie Wolves took control from the start, defeating St. Ambrose in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-22). Addie Thomas and Ella Foote provided a one-two punch on offense, with Thomas tallying 13 kills and Foote adding 10 kills and 3 blocks. NWU held off the Fighting Bees' efforts to close the gap, thanks in part to Aliah Clarke's crucial net play, which included two key blocks and several well-timed kills that kept NWU's lead intact.
NWU's serve game added to their edge, as Kobie Patten posted a match-high 2 aces, pressuring St. Ambrose into frequent defensive adjustments. Elecea Saathoff skillfully directed the offense with 37 assists, setting up Thomas, Foote, and Clarke to capitalize on every opportunity. NWU's composure in the final points of each set allowed them to complete the sweep and carry momentum into their next match.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
AUGUSTANA (IL)
HOW IT HAPPENED
In their second match of the day, Nebraska Wesleyan came from behind to win 3-1 over Augustana (25-23, 25-16, 21-25, 25-18). The Prairie Wolves got off to a strong start, taking the first two sets with solid all-around play. Addie Thomas played a pivotal role in the early success, with her powerful hitting bringing her within striking distance of becoming NWU's all-time leader in career kills. She made history in the fourth set, surpassing the 1,508-kill mark to become the program's all-time leader.
Raegan Holle also reached a major career milestone during the match, recording her 1,000th career dig in the second set. Holle's defensive effort kept the Prairie Wolves in long rallies, while also allowing for quick transitions to offense. Alongside Thomas, Kobie Patten and Aliah Clarke stepped up, contributing key kills to maintain NWU's advantage. Despite a setback in the third set, Nebraska Wesleyan regained their focus and closed out the match in the fourth set.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
UP NEXT
Nebraska Wesleyan now turns its focus to the postseason, hosting #6 seed Loras College in the A-R-C Quarterfinals on Tuesday. First serve is TBA at Snyder Arena as the Prairie Wolves aim to make a deep postseason run.
