The North Dakota State College of Science volleyball team won their NJCAA National Tournament opener on Wednesday morning by a score of 3-1 (25-23, 13-25, 25-18 and 25-9) against Rock Valley College.

The Wildcats turned around and played the top-seeded team in the tournament, Cowley County Community College. Cowley swept NDSCS by scores of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-17.

In the first match, the Wildcats got double-digit kills from three of their hitters. Riley Hauff had 15 to lead the way, Sam Kohl followed with 11 and Katie Gostovich finished with 10.

Kaylee Stegora had a big night in the blocking department, sending back two on her own while also assisting on three.

Payton Foster led her squad in assists and aces with 41 and four, respectively.

Kohl was the kill leader in the second match with 10 while Stegora assisted on five blocks.

The Wildcats are in action at 9 a.m. against Lansing Community College.