Box Score MINOT, N.D. – The Beavers turned in a strong first set, but the visiting Vikings used the opening win to build momentum as they scored a three-set victory over host Minot State in NSIC volleyball on Friday at the Minot State Dome.

Augustana won the match, 25-18, 25-10, 25-12.

The Beavers (0-12 overall, 0-7 NSIC) came out battling in the opening set as a Jenna Pahlen kill had the hosts down just 7-6 early, and a Kayla Verity kill kept them close at 13-7 back.

Augustana (9-5, 4-2) tried to inch away but the Beavers kept battling and another Pahlen kill closed the gap to 24-18 late in the opener before the Vikings used a kill by Avery Thorson to finish off the first-set win.

Minot State kept the net set close early, down 8-5 before a 9-0 run by the guests gave them breathing room as Augustana took a 2-0 lead in the match.

In the third and finale set, the Beavers again battled early on, down 14-9 after a solo block by Pahlen, but a 6-1 surge by the Vikings helped them pull away and complete the sweep.

Pahlen finished with three kills and three blocks to lead Minot State while Kylie Koontz added five kills, Sophia Peterson and Paige Ammerman each dished out five assists, and Mikayla Woodward led the defense with seven digs.

Minot State returns to action Saturday hosting No. 7-ranked Wayne State at 1 p.m. at the MSU Dome.