MACOMB, Ill. – With strong defense in the backline and at the net, the University of North Dakota won in five sets at Western Illinois in five sets, 25-21, 11-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-12. The Fighting Hawks paced the Leathernecks in both blocks (9-8) and digs (69-61) as they improved to 11-14 overall and 3-8 in Summit League play.
 
 Senior Ashley Brueggeman tallied a double-double with 19 kills and 11 digs while also recording four blocks. Darian Chwialkowski notched 26 digs and two service aces in the match to pace the Fighting Hawks.
 
 "Tonight was about digging deep and doing whatever it takes to get the win, and this group showed what they were made of tonight," said Head Coach Jeremiah Tiffin. "This was a big win for us, and we can build on this as we begin the final month of the season and push for a Summit League Tournament spot. We just need to take it one match at a time."
 
 The two teams traded blows in the match, with each side landing proverbial haymakers in their set victories. While North Dakota hit .300 in its opening set win, Western Illinois boasted a .478 hitting percentage in its second set to even the match.
 
 The Fighting Hawks forced the Leathernecks into nine hitting errors in the third set to take a 2-1 lead in the match, but WIU evened it all up as unforced errors by UND tied the match through four sets.
 
 UND, who also improved to 4-0 in five-set matches this season, was confident on the attack in the final set as it tallied eight kills and hit .333 in the frame. The Fighting Hawks also accounted for all four of their service aces as Madi Hart and Chwialkowski each notched two.
 
 North Dakota will close the weekend on Sunday when it takes on Purdue Fort Wayne. First serve is set for noon Central.