BELLEVUE, NEB. (VCSU) – The Valley City State volleyball team fell in a 3-0 contest to No. 25 Ottawa University to open the Labor Day Classic by final scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 25-19.

The Vikings fell in straight sets to the nationally ranked Braves who committed just 10 attack errors in the match. Ottawa also recorded nine total blocks and nine service aces to help lift the Braves over the Vikings.

VCSU drops to 2-3 overall while Ottawa improves to 2-4 on the season. VCSU continues play at the Labor Day Classic with two more games on Friday.

Valley City State held their own in the first set, leading as late as 16-15. Ottawa gained an edge on three straight points and held on to win set one by a 25-22 final score. Ottawa then took a pair of nine-point rallies in set two and set three en route to 25-16 and 25-19 victories.

Bailey Nelson totaled eight kills while Morgan Nelson and Emma Lucas each added seven kills for the Vikings Thursday. Ellie Rush posted 16 set assists and Delani Clarke chipped in 11.

JayCee Richter totaled a team-best 15 digs and three service aces while by Lexi Leroux and Danielle Hagler added nine digs apiece.

Ottawa’s Radaisy Valdez totaled a game-best nine kills and four blocks in the match. Haylee O’Meara chipped in 13 assists while Kaitlyn Haller tallied 12 assists. Jadore Hayes led all players with 17 digs for the Braves.

UP NEXT: VCSU plays two more games on Friday at the Labor Day Classic, first against (RV)Columbia International at 1 p.m. The Vikings later take on (RV)McPherson College at 7 p.m. in Bellevue.