OMAHA, Neb. - The University of North Dakota (2-6, 2-3 Summit) rallied from a 2-0 deficit, nearly forcing a five-set thriller at Baxter Arena in Omaha; but the Mavericks (6-4, 5-3 Summit) thwarted the Fighting Hawks comeback and won in four sets, 20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 21-25.

North Dakota totaled 11 service aces in the match and was led by Peyton Sewell and Abi Mcglynn, who accounted for four and three service aces, respectively. Darian Chwialkowski, who recorded 24 digs, also served two aces. Lexi Ahrens led UND with eight kills and a .368 hitting percentage, while Alex Albinson totaled seven kills and a .318 average.

An early challenge by Head Coach Jeremiah Tiffin proved vital in the opening set, denying an Omaha point and setting up a 4-4 tie early in the affair. Omaha's 10-3 run separated the Mavericks from the Hawks, but strong play in the middle by Albinson lifted UND within three, 22-19. Though Albinson posted three vital kills, Omaha took the opening set.

Service was the difference in the second set as UNO outserved the Fighting Hawks in aces, 6-3. The Mavericks also accounted for 14 kills and hit .379 in the frame as it won the second set, 25-17.

North Dakota reversed its fortune on the serve in the third frame as it tallied four aces to the Mavs zero. The Fighting Hawks' confidence grew as it registered eight kills and hit a respectable .250, while the Mavs recorded 14 kills and hit a mere .171 to extend the match with the Hawks 25-18 third set triumph.

The confidence carried over into the fourth set as North Dakota rode the momentum to a 12-9 lead, overcoming a back and forth series of plays that resulted in 10 ties in the fourth set alone. Omaha rallied to tie the match 18 and nearly finished UND, but the Fighting Hawks spirit rallied to a two-point game, 23-21, where the Mavs clinched the match.

After opening the match with a single ace, North Dakota's service in the final three sets was clinical, accounting for four services aces in the third and fourth sets. UND was equally impressive defensively on Omaha serves, allowing zero aces in the final two sets. The addition of Elizabeth Norris also paid dividends in the third and fourth sets. The setter recorded a pair of kills to supplement the UND attack and changed UND's tempo.

The Fighting Hawks will return to action Sunday, Feb. 28, when it hosts a series with Kansas City at The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.