GRAND FORKS, N.D. - Despite great service in the final two sets that resulted in nine blocks in the match, the University of North Dakota (8-6) fell to Akron in the UND Classic finale, 14-25, 23-25, 15-25.

Fighting Hawks Lydia Rutten and Sara Antic were named to the All-Tournament team as North Dakota finished second. Ashley Brueggeman led UND with 10 kills and 11 points in the match while Lexi Ahrens registered four blocks and five kills.

"We did a great of playing with energy in the second set and I'm proud of the way we rallied," said Head Coach Jeremiah Tiffin. "We responded after a timeout and we got great service to set up our block. When you can get six blocks in a set, you're doing something right and that's something we can build on as we begin Summit League play next week."

After falling 14-25 in the opening frame, North Dakota rallied from a six-point deficit to tie the match 23-23 as the Hawks pressured the Zips service return and put the offense out of balance. However, a pair of blocks by Akron sealed the set and put advantage on their side at the break.

In the final set, UND continued its strong blocking but it wasn't enough as Akron posted a .522 hitting percentage in the set. Overall, the Zips posted a .366 attacking clip.

North Dakota will open Summit League play next weekend when it heads to Omaha and South Dakota.

UND CLASSIC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Ka'ehukaiiha'amaina'e Keala (EWU)
Sara Antic (UND)
Lydia Rutten (UND)
Shelby Fulmer (Akron)
Elya Karsner (Akron)
Ashley Richardson, MVP (Akron)