Augustana Vikings Punch Regional Ticket with Hot 7-3 Start

The Augustana University Vikings women's volleyball team, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has secured a strong position for regional playoffs after a dominant 7-3 start to the 2025 season. The team kicked off with gritty victories at the Chadron State tournament on September 4, edging Black Hills State 3-2, followed by another 3-2 win over host Chadron State on September 5, and a decisive 3-0 sweep of Saint Martin's the same day.[4] A narrow 2-3 loss to Northern State on September 6 tempered momentum, but the Vikings rebounded with 3-1 triumphs over Northwestern Oklahoma State and Fort Hays State on September 11, plus a win over MSU Texas on September 12 in Hays, Kansas.[4] This early success builds on Augustana's storied history in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), where they've qualified for regionals nine times in the past decade, including a No. 7 seed in the North Central Regional Championships in 2005 with a 15-11 record.[1] Head coach Jennifer Johnson has instilled a resilient culture, with the team's balanced attack featuring standouts like outside hitter Ellie Sivesind and setter McKenzie Floyd, who have keyed high-energy performances.[7] Local rivalries add stakes, as seen in upcoming matchups against South Dakota schools like Northern State.[4] As of May 2026, Augustana sits among NSIC contenders eyeing an NCAA Division II regional berth, mirroring past deep runs like their 2007 regional clash with Nebraska-Omaha.[5] With spring tournament play fueling momentum, the Vikings' path mirrors South Dakota's proud volleyball tradition, from high school powers in Rapid City to college dominance in Sioux Falls. Fans pack the Elmen Center, where the team's disciplined play promises playoff excitement.[7]