SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's volleyball team split a pair of matches Friday during the first day of the University of Sioux Falls Volleyball Tournament in Sioux Falls. The Hardrockers took a tough loss to Briar Cliff University (Iowa), 2-3, and then bounced back with a solid victory over Iowa Wesleyan University 3-0.
"We were finally able to play together as a team," said Hardrocker head volleyball coach Tiffany McCampbell. "I was very impressed with all our student-athletes overall. Some of the girls were playing in different positions and they all responded very well to their new assignments."
Briar Cliff defeated the Hardrockers, 25-12, 16-25, 25-13, 25-20.
The Hardrockers then defeated Iowa Wesleyan, 25-21, 25-7, 25-14.
Junior Madisen Lane had a stellar contest against Iowa Wesleyan, recording 12 kills with 0 errors. Sophomore Rachel Pekarek also performed well, notching 40 digs from the libero position.
"Rachel and Madi both played flawless," McCampbell said. "It was a solid win for the Hardrockers and we hope to do more of the same on Day 2 of the tournament."
SD Mines takes on Dakota Wesleyan at 2 p.m. and Grandview University Iowa at 4 p.m.