The North Dakota Fighting Hawks women’s volleyball team secured a dramatic victory over West Virginia, winning in five sets. They dominated the opening set and fought back after losing the second and third sets. The match concluded with the Hawks overpowering the Mountaineers in the final two frames, marking their first win against a Power 4 conference member since 2017. Key contributions came from players like Paige Barber and Katy Riviere, helping to rally their team after initial setbacks.
By the Numbers
- North Dakota recorded a season-high nine service aces in the match.
- Barber led the team with 14 kills, while Riviere added 13 kills at a hitting percentage of .407.
Yes, But
Despite the victory, the Fighting Hawks struggled in the second and third sets due to West Virginia’s strong sideout performance, which peaked at .730 in set three. This pattern highlights areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining momentum during critical phases of matches.
State of Play
- The Fighting Hawks improved their five-set match record to 9-10 under head coach Jesse Tupac.
- Next weekend, they will host Belmont and Western Illinois for the UND Classic.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Hawks will aim to build on their momentum against Belmont on September 12 and Western Illinois on September 13. Continued success will depend on maintaining defensive pressure and capitalizing on the opponent’s errors.
Bottom Line
The Fighting Hawks’ victory not only boosts their confidence but also signals their capability to compete against high-level programs. They need to capitalize on this momentum in upcoming matches while addressing past vulnerabilities.