FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota volleyball defeated North Dakota State 3-2 on Saturday night at the Bentson/Bunker Fieldhouse.
North Dakota came out ready to battle as they took the first point in the set. The Fighting Hawks and Bison traded points as the lead shifted from team to team until NDSU went on a four-point run for a 14-10 lead. The set remained tight as North Dakota tried to retake the lead, but they were unable to as North Dakota State won the first set 25-23. The Fighting Hawks came out strong in the second set as they took the early 7-5 lead. North Dakota State brought it within one (10-9), but North Dakota continued to attack. UND kept the lead and won the second set decisively at 25-17. The third set continued like the others as the two teams traded points searching for the lead. NDSU took the 10-5 lead after a five-point run. The Fighting Hawks searched for the lead as they brought it within one (17-16), but the Bison did not turn back as they took the set 25-20.
North Dakota came out attacking in the fourth set as they took the early 7-2 lead, but North Dakota State took the lead from them at 13-12. The teams then traded points as they searched for the victory. The Fighting Hawks came out on top as they won the fourth set 25-23. UND started strong in the first set as they took the 6-3 lead, but NDSU kept it close as they tied it at seven all. It remained tight as the lead continued to go back-and-forth between the Fighting Hawks and the Bison. North Dakota took the 12-11 lead, and it was all UND to end the set as they won 15-11 to take the match 3-2.
North Dakota and North Dakota State matched up statistically. The Fighting Hawks had 81 points, 60 kills, seven aces, 14 blocks, 57 assists and 54 digs compared to the Bison who had 76 points, 64 kills, three aces, nine blocks, 62 assists and 64 digs.
The Fighting make the journey down I-29 on Thursday, Oct. 13 to battle with the Mavericks in Omaha at 7 p.m. (CT).
Postgame Notes
- North Dakota improves to 8-9 on the season and 5-1 in conference play.
- The victory ends an eight-game losing streak against the Bison. The last win for UND was in Fargo on Oct. 12, 2018.
- The 3-2 victory against North Dakota State ends the Bison's win streak in the conference slate.
- Elizabeth Norris ended the match with a triple-double making it her second one of the season and her first in Summit League play. She had 15 kills, 19 assists and 12 digs for a total of 17.5 points. Her 15 kills are a new career high.
- Sierra Ward made large contributions as she ended the night with 12 kills, three blocks and a dig to earn 13.5 points.
- Ashlyn Olson was also a factor on offense and defense as she ended the night with ten kills and four blocks to tally 12 points.
- True freshman Paige Barber ended the night with 11 kills for a new career high.
- Marissa Stockman contributed 11 points with her seven kills, six blocks and four digs.
- Sophia Ortquist had five kills, six blocks and one service ace to add nine points. Her six blocks are a career high.
- Leading the charge on defense was Kortney Carney with 15 digs. She added seven assists on the offensive end.
- Maddy Hornyak had ten digs and two service aces for the Fighting Hawks.
How it Happened
- Set 1: North Dakota State 25, North Dakota 23
- Set 2: North Dakota 25, North Dakota State 17
- Set 3: North Dakota State 25, North Dakota 20
- Set 4: North Dakota 25, North Dakota State 23
- Set 5: North Dakota 15, North Dakota State 11