PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Despite a physical attack ion the second set and outdigging Brown, 67-55, the University of North Dakota fell to Bears in its Rhode Island finale on Sunday, 19-25, 26-24, 15-25, 16-25. Ashley Brueggeman once again led the Fighting Hawks in kills with 18, posting a hitting percentage of .302, as well as 10 digs for her first double-double of the season.

Lydia Rutten also registered double-digit kills as she finished with 11 while leading the team with a .318 hitting percentage.

While UND fell 19-25 in the opening frame, it posted a respectable .257 hitting percentage with 14 kills. The Fighting Hawks upped the ante in the second frame when it posted 17 kills and a .500 hitting clip. With a three-point lead, 23-20, North Dakota staved off a Brown comeback attempt to tie the match with a 26-24 second set triumph.

The Bears took the early lead in the third set and did not relinquish the advantage as they continued to attack the Fighting Hawks defense. Brown followed suit in the final set as well, hitting .343 in the frame. As team, the Bears hit .306 in the match.

North Dakota will return to action Thursday, Sept. 12 when it takes on North Carolina Central and follows up with a weekend tournament at Campbell.