MISSOULA, Mont. – The North Dakota volleyball team fell to the Montana Grizzlies 3-0 and the UC Davis Aggies 3-0 in the first day of the Ellesyn Invitational on Friday, Aug. 26. 

Despite strong 4-0 start in the opening set against the Grizzlies, the Fighting Hawks were unable to maintain the lead as they lost 25-22. UND ended the first set with 11 kills, seven errors and 35 total attacks compared to Montana's ten kills, four errors and 31 total attacks. UND kept battling as they kept it close in the second set (25-23), but they were unable to pass the Grizzlies as they added eight kills. The third set saw the largest deficit for UND as they lost 25-15. Despite the loss, North Dakota led Montana 11-9 in blocks and 38-35 in digs. 

In the second match of the day, the Fighting Hawks started off with a 3-0 lead against the Aggies in the first set. They were unable to maintain the lead as UC Davis found their rhythm and took the first set 25-19. The Fighting Hawks headed into the second adding ten kills to their total, but the Aggies added ten of their own to help them win 25-20. North Dakota fought hard in the last set, but they fell 25-27. UND beat UCD in aces (12-6) and blocks (9-3).

The Hawks will round ot the Elleysn Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. CT against UT Arlington. 

Postgame Notes

• North Dakota drops to 0-2 on the season. 
• McCallister Gayle led the Fighting Hawks with six kills in the game against the Grizzlies. 
• Freshman Sophia Ortquist led the team in blocks against Montana. 
• Elizabeth Norris led in assists with 14 against the Grizzlies. 
• Kortney Carney 15 digs to sit as the leader on the team against the Grizzlies. 
• Sierra Ward and Paige Barber led the Fighting Hawks with seven kills each against the Aggies. 
• Freshman Izzy McCormick had four aces in the match against UC Davis. 
• Peyton Sewell assisted 14 times to sit as the leader for UND against UCD. 
• Maddy Hornyak led the Fighting Hawks in digs (12) against the Aggies. 

How it Happened

• Game 1, Set 1: Montana 25, North Dakota 22
• Game 1, Set 2: Montana 25, North Dakota 23
• Game 1, Set 3: Montana 25, North Dakota 15
• Game 2, Set 1: UC Davis 25, North Dakota 19
• Game 2, Set 2: UC Davis 25, North Dakota 20
• Game 2, Set 3: UC Davis 25, North Dakota 17