HAYFIELD — The Vikings opened their postseason with a dominant performance over Alden/Conger in the second round of the Subsection West Section 1A volleyball playoffs in Hayfield Thursday.

The second-seeded Vikings (15-12 overall) showed no signs of rust after their bye as they played better in each game, winning in a sweep by scores of 25-18, 25-15, 25-11.

Hayfield’s Jessica Lee served four of her eight aces in an 11-point serving run that broke open the third game of the match.

“We knew if we served well that we would have a chance to do a lot more things hitting wise,” Hayfield head coach Deb Harvey said. “If we set the tempo with the serving, good things would happen for us.”

The Vikings never trailed on the night as Kiley Severson led a strong front line attack with 11 kills.

“There were open spots (to hit) that the coaches were pointing out. Once I got away from their blocks, it was easier to hit,” said Severson, who also had seven digs. “We prepare well. We get a lot of information and that’s helpful.”

Sophomore setter Molly Streightiff added six kills to go along with her 26 assists for the Vikings. The 5-foot-10 inch Streightiff was a big part of the Vikings defensive scheme which held the No. 7 Knights (12-11-5 overall) at bay.

“There were a lot of fire middles, which are easier to read,” Streightiff said of A/C’s attack.

The Vikings led 6-1 early in the first game, but allowed the Knights to get within 11-9, before Jordyn Krekling came up with three straight kills to turn the tide. Krekling finished with nine kills and three ace blocks.

“We just started playing better together (in the last two games),” Harvey said. “We were out of sync a little in the first game.”

The Vikings enjoyed playing in front of their home fans for a playoff match.

“We have some great fans here, so it was great to be playing at home,” Harvey said. “We’ve got the extreme cheerleaders over there and they’re fun.”

Genessa Heide had four aces and six digs for Hayfield, Liz Ristau had six kills, and Ashley Miner had 10 digs.

Hayfield will take on No. 3 Kenyon/Wanamingo at Rochester Civic Center at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Vikings beat K/W (15-10 overall) in five games Oct. 14.