USF Volleyball Sweeps Winona State in Senior Day Victory

Sioux Falls Sweeps Winona State on Senior Day at Stewart Center

The University of Sioux Falls volleyball team delivered a dominant performance on Senior Day, sweeping Winona State in straight sets (25-19, 25-14, 25-19) inside the Stewart Center. Playing before an attendance of 156 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Cougars put together one of their most efficient offensive displays of the season, posting a .366 team hitting percentage with 50 kills and eight service aces.

The straight-sets victory improved Sioux Falls to 10-16 overall and 6-12 in NSIC play. Meanwhile, Winona State dropped to 5-19 overall and 4-14 in conference action as the regular season winds down.

Controlling the Match From the First Serve

Sioux Falls established momentum right from the opening whistle. The Cougars hit .400 in the first set, racking up 16 kills on 30 attempts to secure a 25-19 win. They followed that up with an even sharper second frame, hitting .455 with 17 kills and just two errors to cruise to a 25-14 victory.

Though Winona State jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in the third set, the Cougars answered with a massive nine-point run to turn an 8-5 deficit into a 14-8 advantage. Winona State attempted a late rally by scoring four consecutive points late in the third, but Gates delivered the match-winning kill to seal the 25-19 set and complete the sweep.

The offensive attack was anchored by standout individual performances across the court. Walker led the charge for the Cougars with a match-high 13 kills and a .429 hitting percentage, while Gates added 11 kills at a .391 clip. Efficient net play continued with Wolfe recording eight errorless kills on 15 attempts, good for a .533 hitting percentage. Directing the entire operation, the team’s setter handed out 43 assists alongside six digs, while the back row defense was anchored by a team-high 12 digs.

Final Regular Season Matches Ahead

With Senior Day celebrations concluded, Sioux Falls prepares for its final regular season road trip. The Cougars travel to face St. Cloud State on November 6 at 6:00 p.m. in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Following that matchup, they will head to Mankato to take on Minnesota State on November 7 at 3:00 p.m.