Augustana University hosted their 11th Annual Twilight Run on Friday, Sept. 2. It was an epic event for the sport of cross country with 62 high schools and 30 collegiate teams registering to run the courses at Yankton Trails in Sioux Falls.

It was a history making evening for the Dakota Valley boys soccer team on Sept. 1. They hosted the Vermillion Tanagers on their home turf and while they did not garner the win they did score their first goal ever for the boys program.

The Panthers volleyball team travelled just under 100 miles north to Colton, SD to take on the Tri-Valley Mustangs Aug. 30. It was the team’s second competition of the season and a clean sweep of victory for Dakota Valley. They defeated Tri-Valley in quick work winning – 25-10; 2516; and 25-17. “A balanced attack and great serving match allowed the Panthers to defeat Tri-Valley in three sets,” Head Coach Mary Miller stated. Great serving is an understatement as multiple players landed aces against their opponent. Freshman Claire Munch recorded 4 ace serves, followed by sophomore Sophie Tuttle and senior Jorja VanDen-Hul who each had 3. Senior Reagan VanRooyan kept the rallies going with two aces and senior Logan Miller also contributed an ace in the match-up versus the Mustangs. Miller found multiple hitters at the net and wracked up 24 assists. Those sets connected well to Munch who had 10 kills, as well as to sophomore Addie Kleis with 7 kills and to Tuttle with 5 kills.

The Dakota Valley boys golf team travelled north Sept. 1 to take part in the Beresford Golf Quad. The event took place at The Bridges Golf Course. Both the Panther varsity and junior varsity rosters were in attendance.

Next up for the Panthers was a home game versus nearby rival Elk Point - Jefferson Sept. 1. The student section dressed up in polo shirts and golf visors to complement a “Country Club” theme designated by the DV student council.

August 30 had the Panther varsity boys golf team travelling to Spring Creek Golf Course for a meet hosted by Sioux Falls Christian. Many strong rosters participated and Dakota Valley earned a 3rd place finish on the day out of 15 teams. The Panthers boasted a combined team score of 331.

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It was a busy week for the Dakota Valley girls soccer program. The squad had three games in five days and had good showings at each match. It was an away game to start things off for the Panthers as they travelled to Sioux Falls Christian Aug. 23 to face the Chargers. It was a close varsity match and DV really came together to play as a united front versus a competitive opponent, however they did not garner the win, losing 0-2.

It was an exciting time this past week for the Panther boys soccer team as they began their season and brought forth the firs-ever era of boys soccer at Dakota Valley. On Aug. 18 the boys soccer team hosted Tea Area. The Titans boasted a starting line-up of mostly sophomores and juniors while DV relied heavily on 7th and 8th graders. The team and Head Coach Eddie Vongsiprasom knew going into the match that it would be a tough contest. “The game went as we thought it would,” Vongsiprasom detailed. “We looked like boys playing against men. They were faster and stronger than us. The boys didn’t shy down from a challenge though. They battled into the second half. With about 17 minutes left of the second half, Tea hit a 30-yard shot into the top right corner to complete the 10-- goal mercy rule.” Despite the 10-0 loss, much was gained and learned. Seventh grader Reid Herbold was praised as being a “stand out on the team”. He has stepped into the role of goalkeeper, with no prior experience, and done well. Vongsiprasom reported that Tea Area had approximately 30 shots, with 15 on goal, in the match and Herbold gave the roster hope. “If you showed up after the game you would have thought we won the game,” Vongsiprasom stated. “The DV soccer community came out to support that night. The girls team, parents and coaches were a huge part of that. We may not have won on the scoreboard, but it was a huge success for DV soccer.”