CAMROSE, AB - Opening the New Year and keeping their resolutions, the Augustana Vikings defeated The King's University Eagles 3-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-16, 27-25) Friday night at Augustana Gym.

With the win, the Vikings (6-1) swap places with the Eagles (5-2) to claim sole possession of second place in the north division standings and are four points back of the division leader, Lakeland Rustlers. Both the Eagles and Vikings are now tied with 10 points.

Leading the way to victory was third-year outside hitter Shae Boyes who had 13 kills, 13 digs, and three aces. Fifth-year setter Sarah Dedrick continued her impressive play into 2022 and added an additional 42 assists, putting her season total at 203.

Across the court, second-year outside hitter Sam Lieuwen had 15 kills, nine digs, and one ace in the loss, while fourth-year Lauren Kroestsch added 11 kills, 10 digs, and three assists.

Starting their consistent play in the first set the Vikings cruised to a 25-18 set win with 11 kills and only three errors, while their competitors struggled to get their offense going having just four kills in the set compared to five errors.

Fighting back in the second, the Eagles battled to tie the game a one set each, 25-20. However, they would not be able to hold onto the momentum, dropping a big third set, 25-16, giving the Vikings the stronghold into the fourth and possibly deciding set.

And fourth and deciding set it was, although not an easy one. Battling it out and needing extra points, the Vikings 14 kills compared to the Eagles 11, proved to be the difference as the home side sealed the deal 27-25.

Not having to wait long for a rematch, the Vikings will travel to the Eagles nest tomorrow night with the first serve at 8:00 PM. Catch all the action on ACACTV.