A.J. Horstman powered down a career-best 15 kills in leading No. 24 Northwestern to a sweep over Dakota State (S.D.) at the Bultman Center, 26-24, 25-22, 25-19. 

Northwestern earned its second straight win and improved to 3-6 on the year.

Close First Set Goes in Red Raiders Favor

The Red Raiders opened up an early three-point lead and led 9-6 after a kill by Lauryn Hilger. Dakota State stormed back, scoring six of the next eight points, and the set remained close after that. DSU moved in front by one (24-23) and served for the first set but Horstman converted an attack on the leftside pin to tie it at 24. Hilger followed by a kill and DSU committed an error on set point to put the Red Raiders on top, 26-24. 

Fast Start Keys Win In Second Set

Northwestern scored seven of the first 10 points in a 25-22 set two win. The Red Raiders hit a match-best .375, totaling 20 kills in 40 attacks, led by Horstman who put down six. 

Red Raiders Dominate in Third

Northwestern hit .324 and limited DSU to just .132 in the third set win. Leading by one (14-13), the Red Raiders outscored the visitors 11-6 over the final stretch. 

By the Numbers...

Northwestern hit 325 for the match, totaling 51 kills against 13 errors in 117 attempts. 

Horstman hit .382 and tallied 15 kills, her fourth match in double figures.

Hilger added 12 kills and has hit for double figures in eight of the nine matches.

Jessica Jensen added 10 kills, giving the Red Raiders three players in double figures.

Jessa Doom lofted up 40 assists, put down five kills and served a perfect 12-12. 

Jillian Estes led the defense with 17 digs

Dakota State hit .206 for the match and was led by Clarissa Blick with nine kills.