NDSCS Upsets No. 6 Bismarck State 3-0

NDSCS Volleyball picked up its biggest win of the season on Saturday, sweeping No. 6 Bismarck State (4-1) in a matchup of the last two undefeated teams in the Mon-Dak Conference.

The Wildcats (3-0) were pushed to extra points in each of the first two sets, claiming set one 28-26 and the second set 27-25. NDSCS and Bismarck State were separated by just seven total points in three sets.

The upset not only saw the Cats extend their home winning streak to 11 straight matches, but it also saw several players step up in key moments.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Emmil – a Bismarck native – put on a show against several former teammates, finishing with a career-high 13 kills and three blocks.

"She was amazing," said NDSCS coach Jane Passa. "She played fearlessly and flawlessly with only one hitting error. I'm extremely proud of her as she knew what this meant."

Six different players registered at least six kills with freshman Bailee Brommenschenkel (8), sophomores Miah Gessell (7) and Ally Gruber (7), as well as freshman Ashton Sagaser (6) all finding a groove offensively.

Gessell also added 16 digs. Sagaser is the other Bismarck product on the NDSCS roster.

Sophomore Kortney Carney made her final case for National Player of the Week with yet another monster performance, handing out a season-high 39 assists to go along with 15 digs and six kills.

Carney is unofficially second nationally in both assists (159) and assists per set (13.25).

"Kortney is such a great leader motivator; they trust and respect her," said Passa. "I'm so happy for her to have an opportunity to be back on the court. She makes things look easy and makes all of us better."

Bismarck State entered Saturday without having dropped a set to an opponent this season and 13 straight wins over Mon-Dak Conference opponents. Led by reigning Region XIII Player of the Year Becca Nitsch, the BSC offense had been one of the most high-powered in the nation.

A major key to the NDSCS win was its ability to collectively produce big blocks. The Cats 15 blocks was a season-high. Even when not directly blocking a swing, NDSCS still managed to alter several BSC attacks.

Brommenschenkel led the way with five blocks. Gruber, Emmil and Sagaser each added three.

Freshman Jalen Ennen filled in nicely at libero, leading the team with 22 digs.

"Bismarck has so many weapons and we watched a lot of game film and prepared well for what they do," said Passa. "We were able to have some success with that game plan."

After three straight home games to start the season, NDSCS will hit the road to visit Lake Region on Tuesday before hosting the Royals the very next night. The Cats will then make their first trip to Montana the following week for back-to-back games with Dawson.