BROOKINGS, S.D. ? After play was suspended for 42 minutes in game one because of a tornado warning, the New Mexico State volleyball team (14-0) defeated North Dakota State in three-games, 30-28, 30-18, 30-17, to claim the Jackrabbit Invitational title, Saturday, Sept. 16, in Brookings, S.D.
Three Aggies had double-figure kill performances with senior outside hitter Alice Borden recording a game-high 15 kills. Middle hitters sophomore Amber Simpson and junior Kim Oguh had 13 and 12 kills, respectively. The duo also tallied five blocks apiece.
Head coach Mike Jordan said the Aggie play was stronger after the delay including senior setter Jackie Choi, who had 47 assists in the match.
“I thought we were a little flat but we picked up the energy as the games when on,” he said. “North Dakota State did a great job digging. They were the best digging team that we’ve seen.”
For New Mexico State, defensive specialist sophomore Krystal Torres had a match-high 18 digs, while Choi contributed 10.
Before play was halted at 27-27 in game one, North Dakota State kept it close but the Aggies were too much as they came out and sealed the game on a Choi ace. Simpson led the Aggies with six kills while Oguh had four blocks. In game two, the Aggies trailed 9-5 but Simpson sparked a 7-0 run with a pair of kills. New Mexico State had control of game three from the serve as the Aggies recorded the largest margin of victory in the match.
The Aggies had a 6-0 advantage from the service line while also out blocking the Bison 10-7.
New Mexico State returns to Las Cruces and opens WAC play against Idaho, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7:00 p.m.