Volleyball Makes Early Statement With 2-0 Start on the Road

NDSU volleyball opened its season with two big wins: defeating Tulane in a close five-set match and sweeping Tennessee Tech the very next day on Saturday afternoon.

The Bison had their game opener Friday, Aug. 28 at the Green Wave Classic against Tulane. Senior outside hitter Lauren Jansen led the team, posting a career-high of 22 kills. Jansen also had 15 digs and two assists to help them secure the victory.

Other standouts in the opener included senior middle blocker Arianna Blohm, who recorded 12 kills and three blocks, and junior outside hitter Zoe John, who added 12 kills and four blocks of her own. Senior middle blocker Emma Tallman also went out strong, adding five kills and one block. As a team, the Bison finished with a total of 57 kills and six blocks for the night.

Sophomore setter Sarah Pfiffner made her Bison debut, leading the team with 42 of 51 total assists, helping to keep the offense moving throughout the match.

With the big win over Tulane, NDSU has won its season opener for the second straight season. The team has also won each of its last eight five-set matches since the 2024 season, showing its continued success in close games.

The team finished out night one defeating Tulane 3-2 with the set scores of 20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 22-25 and 15-10.

Saturday afternoon, Aug. 29, the Bison returned to the court for their second match of the week against Tennessee Tech.

John led the team in kills for the second match, recording a match-high of 13 kills. She finished with a .391 hitting percentage on 23 attempts, as well as put up four blocks. Jansen also continued her strong start to the season, finishing with 12 kills and 10 digs.

Also putting up a strong performance, Blohm contributed to the big win for the Bison with nine kills and two blocks. Tallman added three kills and three blocks for the team, with Pfiffner recording a match high of 31 assists and two service aces.

As a team, NDSU finished the match with 43 kills, 38 assists and seven blocks, ending night two with a match score of 3-0.

After opening the season with back-to-back wins, the Bison look to continue their momentum when they return to the court on Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Boise State Classic. NDSU will face Boise State, with the first serve scheduled at 5 p.m. CT.