CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Led by a balanced attack and a strong defensive performance, North Dakota swept Texas A&M-Corpus Christi this afternoon in the Dugan Wellness Center in non-conference volleyball action. The win marked the fifth sweep in six matches for the Fighting Sioux (18-4), who are now on a six-match winning streak. The Islanders dropped to 11-14.
"I'm really proud of our team today, both in the way they competed and how hard they played," head coach Ashley Hardee said. "We could have let down in this one, but the girls really came out, competed hard, and paid attention to details. It was a solid performance from everyone and we were able to get all of our players in for at least some playing time."
The Sioux picked up a 25-16 win in the opening set and then took a 2-0 lead with a 25-14 victory in set two.
UND jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the third set, but the Islanders fought back and knotted the frame at 6-6. The Sioux never relinquished their lead, but TAMCC kept the score tight. Holding a 22-19 lead, UND outscored the host team 3-2 down the stretch to take the set 25-21 and complete the sweep.
Senior outside hitter Devin Trefz (Bagley, Minn.) led the offensive attack with nine kills, while sophomore middle blocker Ronni Munkeby (Lisbon, N.D.) tallied eight kills and senior outside hitter Annika Smed (Albert Lea, Minn.) added another seven.
Redshirt freshman setter Nikki Husfeldt (Andover, Minn.) recorded 34 assists and landed a pair of kills. She, Smed and sophomore defensive specialist Erica Turner (Andover, Minn.) landed two service aces apiece.
"Once again, Nikki had a great performance," Hardee said. "She's moving the ball around well and really opening up the floor. She's also identifying situations where she has the chance to score and that will become critical as we head into the last final matches of the regular season."
Defensively, senior libero Taylor Bohannon (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) tallied a team-high 17 digs and sophomore middle blocker Lisa Parlich (Delavan, Wis.) topped the squad with five blocks (two solo).
After a short stop in Grand Forks, the Fighting Sioux will get back out on the road. UND is set to take on Chicago State on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. and NJIT on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.
- Go Sioux -
