The Aurora University women's volleyball team hosted the Lakeland University Muskies in a key Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference match-up on Friday night in Thornton Gymnasium. The Spartans easily defeated the Muskies 3-0 and clinched an opening round bye in the upcoming NACC Tournament.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 3; Dominican University 0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-11)
LOCATION: Aurora, Illinois - Thornton Gymnasium
RECORDS: Aurora University 23-8; 9-1 NACC - Lakeland University 13-13; 6-4 NACC
 
FOR THE SPARTANS
The victory clinched an opening round bye for AU in the upcoming NACC Tournament.
Emily Lines had a double-double with 32 assists and 16 digs.
Katie Vondra had 11 kills and six digs.
Peyton McKenzie had 10 kills and six digs.
Alexis Hammond had eight kills.
Rachel Martens had six kills.
Mikayla O'Brien had four kills, four blocks and three serving aces.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first set did not start well for the Spartans who rebounded quickly and won 25-19.
The second set was close until the midway point when the Spartans opened up a lead and won 25-18.
AU carried the momentum into the third and would be final set and won easily 25-11.
 
SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Katie Vondra (11) and Peyton McKenzie (10)
Assists: Emily Lines (32)
Blocks: Mikayla O'Brien (4)
Digs:  Sarah Marinez (18), Emily Lines (16) and Nikki Lofshult (12)
Aces: Mikayla O'Brien (3) and Peyton McKenzie (1)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's volleyball team comes on Saturday, October 22 when they host Marian University on AU Senior Day. Match time is set for 12:00 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.