GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota showed resolve against Denver, one of the top teams in The Summit League's top teams, finding new ways to claw back into the sets; however, the Pioneers hit .337 in the match and tallied eight blocks as the Fighting Hawks fell, 20-25, 22-25, 21-25.

Lexi Ahrens totaled nine kills with a .444 hitting percentage and two blocks for a UND-best 10.5 points, while Sara Antic and Taylor Riedl each registered seven kills. Denver's Lydia Bartalo led the match with 12 kills, while teammate Lorrin Poulter hit .550 with 11 kills and zero errors.

The Fighting Hawks quickly found themselves in a 5-0 hole to the Pioneers but quickly climbed back within two, 10-8, thanks to the service of Peyton Sewell and Antic disorientating the Denver return attack.

North Dakota and the Pioneers went blow-for-blow with the Hawks until a 5-1 run separated them from UND, 15-11, and put momentum back in their corner. While the Fighting Hawks eventually scrapped their way back to within two points after a series of DU errors and well-timed kills, 23-21, the Pioneers showed their power and pounded their attacks straight into the floor to take the 2-0 lead, 25-22.

UND rallied late to close the gap in the final set, forcing long rallies thanks to their strong presence at the net in part by Elizabeth Norris, Ahrens, Antic, and Riedl. However, their comeback attempt was too late as the Denver defense was up to the challenge. The Pioneers finished the match with eight blocks.

The Fighting Hawks will return to action next weekend when it hits the road for two straight weeks, starting with a series at South Dakota State on March 12 and 13 at Frost Arena.