HILO, HAWAII – Augustana volleyball started the 2012 season with a strong win over Hawaii-Hilo in straight sets.  The defense led the way with 9.5 blocks, holding the Vulcans to a .040 attack percentage.
 
Holly Hafemeyer sparked the offense with a match-high 14 kills and no errors on her way to a .519 attack percentage.  Freshman setter, Marissa Johnson dished out 36 assists in her collegiate debut.
 
The Vikings took set one convincingly, 25-17.  After an 11-11 tie, Augustana finished the set on a 14-6 run.  Led by Hafemeyer’s three blocks, five total for the team, the Vikings held the Vulcans to a .028 attack percentage.
 
The defense continued to lead the way for the Vikings as Augustana took the second set easily 25-13 and held Hawaii-Hilo to a dismal -.321 attack percentage in set two. 
 
The Vikings withstood a late charge by the Vulcans and held on for the 25-20 third set win to take the match.  It wasn’t until late in the third set that Hawaii-Hilo reached a positive attack percentage for the match.
 
The Augustana defense came up big with 40 digs, including a match-high 15 from libero Grace Sanders and 5.5 blocks from Holly Hafemeyer.
 
Taylor Hrdlichka chipped in with 11 kills while Lindsey Petersen and Jordan Spatenka helped out with seven and five kills, respectively.
 
The Vikings move to 31-8-1 in season openers, 4-1 under head coach Ashley Buckley.