Crookston, Minn. – Minnesota Crookston would win the opening set in controlling fashion, but Augustana would gain control of the match for a four-set win on Saturday afternoon (25-20, 18-25, 16-25, 20-25).
 
Minnesota Crookston falls to 3-10 (0-5 NSIC).
 
Set One
Fast starts were a key for the Golden Eagles and they would unlock that key in the opening set.
 
The Golden Eagles would lead 3-1 early with a kill from Emma Malek (So., MH, Plainfield, Ill.) and a huge block from Malek and Maya Jones (So., OH, New Braunfels, Texas).
 
The match would go back-and-forth, but the Golden Eagles would take their largest lead of the set following a Malek service ace.
 
The Golden Eagles would eventually take a 19-13 lead, following kills from Carizma Muth (R-Fr., OH, Randolph, Wis.) and Madison Carsten (So., OH, Wadena, Minn.).
 
The Golden Eagles wouldn't let the Vikings get into the set, as they would win the all-important first set, 25-20.
 
Set Two
The Vikes would strike for the first two points of the second set, but Muth would knot the game up with two of her 12 kills.
 
The Vikings would stretch their lead to four, but Lexi Scharold (Fr., MH, Alexandria, Kent.) would get the Golden Eagles back within two following a kill.


A service ace from Carsten would tie the set up at nine. The set would be tied at 10 and 11, but the Vikings would pull away for the set two win.
 
Set Three
Much like set two, the Vikings would start fast and take a 9-4 lead, but the Golden Eagles would cut the lead to two following a 3-0 run, highlighted by kills from Carsten and Muth.
 
The Vikings would eventually take a 14-8 lead, but kills by Baily Teveldal (Fr., S, Baltic, SD.) and Malek would make it 14-10.
 
That's the closest the maroon and gold would get, as the Vikings would pull away for the nine point, third set win.
 
Set Four
In a must win set, the Golden Eagles would jump out to a nice start. Much like set one, they would lead 3-1, started by a Maya Jones kill.
 
Augie would score four straight, taking a 6-4 lead, but the Golden Eagles would answer with a 5-0 run of their own, bookended by a Carsten kill, forcing a Viking timeout.
 
The Vikings would take a 12-11 lead, but the Golden Eagles would answer and regain a one point lead.
 
The set would continue to be tight, as the set would be tied at 14, 18 and 19. Following the tie at 19, Augustana would pull away and win the final set by five.
 
Individual Stats
The Golden Eagles were led by Muth and Carsten, who had 12 kills apiece. Muth finished with her third career double-double, collecting 12 digs, as well. Malek added nine kills, while Teveldal added a career best five kills and 33 assists, as well as 10 digs, her third career double-double. Scharold added five digs and three solo blocks.
 
Kailee Waasdorp (So., DS, West Fargo, N.D.) finished with a team-high 19 digs.
 
What's Next
The Golden Eagles are back in action on Friday night for their lone match of the weekend, as they head to Sioux Falls to take on the University of Sioux Falls. First serve from the Stewart Center is set for 6 P.M.