The Dakota State Trojans kicked off their 2026 women's volleyball season by defeating the Embry-Riddle Eagles 3-1 at the Paradise Volleyball Classic in Hawaii. With set scores of 25-9, 25-21, 22-25, and 25-18, the win marked Dakota State's third consecutive season opening victory in a preseason tournament. Strong serving, notably from Reagan VanRooyan, and balanced offensive play led the Trojans to a solid start, improving their record to 1-0 while Embry-Riddle fell to 0-1.

By the Numbers
  • Dakota State achieved 48 kills with a .218 hitting percentage.
  • Embry-Riddle recorded 33 kills with only a .062 attack percentage.
  • Service aces: Dakota State 15, Embry-Riddle 10.
  • Blocks: Dakota State 11, Embry-Riddle 5.
State of Play
  • Dakota State dominated the match with an early lead in multiple sets.
  • VanRooyan led serving efforts with a career-high 6 service aces.
  • Upcoming matches on Saturday include facing No. 12 Oklahoma Wesleyan and Oregon Tech.
What's Next

The Trojans will play two more matches in the Paradise Volleyball Classic, starting against No. 12 Oklahoma Wesleyan. These matches will be pivotal for building momentum as they aim to continue their winning streak.

Bottom Line

The Dakota State Trojans proved their potential with a strong season opener, showcasing a balanced offensive strategy and solid serving, setting the tone for their upcoming matches in the tournament.