September 25, 2023
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) announced its sixth edition of volleyball players-of-the-week honors Monday. Kealy Kiviniemi of Bellevue (Neb.) was selected as the Attacker-of-the-Week. Sadie Hansen of Valley City State (N.D.) was chosen as the Setter-of-the-Week. Kenidi McCabe of Viterbo (Wis.) was named as the Defender-of-the-Week.
NSAA Volleyball Attacker-of-the-Week
Kealy Kiviniemi – Bellevue (Neb.) – 6’1”, Sophomore, right side – Bellevue, Neb. – Kiviniemi totaled 29 kills as No. 12 ranked Bellevue (Neb.) went 1-1 record at home for the week. She tallied 16 kills (3.2 kills per set) and hit .324 in a 3-2 setback to No. 6 Viterbo (Wis.). She followed up with 13 kills (4.3 kills per set) and a .385 hitting percentage in a 3-0 sweep over Waldorf (Iowa). For the week, Kiviniemi averaged 3.6 kills and hit .350.
NSAA Volleyball Setter-of-the-Week
Sadie Hansen – Valley City State (N.D.) – 5’9”, Junior, setter – Oakes, N.D. – Hansen produced a double-double of 32 set assists and 16 digs as Valley City State (N.D.) extended their winning streak to five matches after their 3-0 home sweep over Mayville State (N.D.). She averaged 10.7 set assists and 5.3 digs per set for the Vikings. Hansen also had a kill and a block in the match.
NSAA Volleyball Defender-of-the-Week
Kenidi McCabe – Viterbo (Wis.) – 5’4”, Junior, libero – Decorah, Iowa – McCabe did not record a reception error and collected 55 digs in propelling No. 6 ranked Viterbo (Wis.) to a 2-0 record on the road for the week, extending their winning streak to nine matches. She collected 39 receptions and 33 digs (6.6 digs per set) in 3-2 thriller over No. 12 ranked Bellevue (Neb.). She followed up with 33 receptions and 22 digs (5.5 digs per set) in a 3-1 victory at Dakota State (S.D.). For the week, McCabe averaged 6.1 digs per set. She also had four set assists and a service ace.
Recap from last week’s action
No. 6 ranked Viterbo (Wis.) extended their winning streak to nine matches after going 2-0 record in the North Star Athletic Association play. The V-Hawks survived a five-set thriller at No. 12 ranked Bellevue (Neb.) on Sept. 20, followed by a 3-1 victory at Dakota State (S.D.) on Sept. 21. Viterbo raised their overall record to 16-2 and 3-0 NSAA conference record.
The Bruins swept Waldorf (Iowa) in three straight sets on Sept. 22. Bellevue improved to 14-4 overall record and 2-1 NSAA conference record.
DaSU also swept the Warriors in three straight sets on Sept. 23. Dakota State, receiving votes in the latest NAIA Women’s Top 25 national poll, is 8-8 overall record and 1-2 record in the league. Waldorf, who swept Union (Neb.) in three straight sets on Sept. 21, is 10-4 overall record and 0-3 NSAA conference record.
Valley City State (N.D.), receiving votes in the national poll, stretched their winning streak to five matches after sweeping Mayville State (N.D.) in three straight sets on Sept. 21. The Vikings lifted their overall record to 14-3 and 2-0 record in the North Star matches.
The Comets earned their first North Star conference win of the season after defeating Dickinson State (N.D.) in four sets on Sept. 22. MSU is 9-4 overall record and 1-1 NSAA conference record. The Blue Hawks remained winless in 14 matches and 0-2 record in the league.
Looking Ahead
No. 6 ranked Viterbo (Wis.) returns home Tuesday in the battle of NAIA’s Top 10 teams, hosting No. 3 ranked Northwestern (Iowa).
Dakota State (S.D.) travels on the road Wednesday evening for the North Star match at Mayville State (N.D.). The Comets host No. 12 ranked Bellevue (Neb.) on Friday in the conference action.
The V-Hawks visit Dickinson State (N.D.) on Thursday and Valley City State (N.D.) on Friday. Waldorf (Iowa) is slated to play at Dickinson State Friday and Valley City State on Saturday.
Tuesday’s Match
(3) Northwestern (Iowa) @ (6) Viterbo (Wis.) – 6 p.m.
Wednesday’s Match
(RV) Dakota State (S.D.) @ Mayville State (N.D.) – 6 p.m.
Thursday’s Match
(6) Viterbo (Wis.) @ Dickinson State (N.D.) – 6 p.m. (Central Time)/5 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Friday’s Matches
(12) Bellevue (Neb.) @ Mayville State (N.D.) – 6 p.m.
(6) Viterbo (Wis.) @ (RV) Valley City State (N.D.) – 6 p.m.
Waldorf (Iowa) @ Dickinson State (N.D.) – 7 p.m. (Central Time)/6 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Saturday’s Match
Waldorf (Iowa) @ (RV) Valley City State (N.D.) – 11 a.m.
NSAA Women’s Volleyball Standings
| School |
Overall
Record |
NSAA
Record |
Games
Behind |
Streak |
| (6) Viterbo (Wis.) |
16-2 |
3-0 |
----- |
Won 9 |
| (RV) Valley City State (N.D.) |
14-3 |
2-0 |
0.5 |
Won 5 |
| (12) Bellevue (Neb.) |
14-4 |
2-1 |
1.0 |
Won 1 |
| Mayville State (N.D.) |
9-4 |
1-1 |
1.5 |
Won 1 |
| (RV) Dakota State (S.D.) |
8-8 |
1-2 |
2.0 |
Won 1 |
| Dickinson State (N.D.) |
0-14 |
0-2 |
2.5 |
Lost 14 |
| Waldorf (Iowa) |
10-4 |
0-3 |
3.0 |
Lost 2 |