GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota volleyball earned the 3-0 sweep against Kansas City on Thursday night at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center.

The night began with a tough back-and-forth battle as the teams traded points to start the first set. The Fighting Hawks pulled away from the Roos 16-12, but Kansas City brought it within two (16-14) before North Dakota pulled away. UND maintained the lead to win the first set 25-21. The Fighting Hawks took the energy from the first set into the second as they took an early 4-2 lead. North Dakota tried to pull away, but Kansas City kept it tight and tied it at 13. The teams traded points as they both looked to pull away. The Fighting Hawks broke away with four straight points to make it 24-20 before the Roos scored again, but they were unable to stay in it as UND won 25-21. It was all North Dakota to start the third set as they went 3-0 before Kansas City made their mark on the board. The Fighting Hawks kept the extensive lead throughout the entire set as they won 25-18 to sweep the Roos.

Statistically, the teams played a tight match as North Dakota won in every category except kills and assists. The Fighting Hawks had 49 points, 38 kills, six aces, five blocks, 37 assists and 44 digs compared to the Roos who had 41 points, 39 kills, one ace, one block, 38 assists and 41 digs.

The Fighting Hawks end their homestand against Oral Roberts on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m.

Postgame Notes

• North Dakota improves to 6-9 on the season and 3-1 in conference play.
• The 3-0 victory against the Roos ends a 24-game losing streak at home. The last time they won a game in the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center was Nov. 10, 2019 against South Dakota State (3-2).
• The win against Kansas City is their first against this opponent in their histories and since they joined the Summit League. They were on a four-game losing streak against the Roos.
• Leading the Fighting Hawks was Elizabeth Norris who ended the night with her sixth double-double. She had 12 kills, 14 assists, and six digs to end the night with 12 points and a .417 hitting percentage.
• Following closely behind was Marissa Stockman who ended the night with ten points. She had eight kills, four blocks, two digs and an assist.
• Ashlyn Olson played another key factor for UND as she had 8.5 points with her seven kills, three blocks and dig.
• Adding 5.5 points was true freshman Paige Barber who had five kills, a block and a dig.
• Sierra Ward had four kills and four digs to end the night with four points.
• Sophia Ortquist had two kills, a block single, a service ace and three digs to end the night with four points.
• Izzy McCormick led UND from the service line with four service aces.
• Kortney Carney led the defense in digs with 12 and was followed closely by Maddy Hornyak who had eight.

How it Happened

• Set 1: North Dakota 25, Kansas City 21
• Set 2: North Dakota 25, Kansas City 21
• Set 3: North Dakota 25, Kansas City 18