GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota defeated Mercer, 3-1, to cap the two-game series Saturday night. With the win, the Fighting Hawks improve to 2-3 on the season.
Lilliana Montes had a breakout performance at the net, recording six blocks, including three solo stops. Montes also added nine kills while hitting .529. Libero
Haley Patton anchored the defense with 11 digs and 18 receptions.
Ellee McIntosh recorded her first collegiate double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs. The freshman also added an assist and a block assist.
Mercer controlled the opening set, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead and maintaining the advantage throughout the frame. The Bears took the first set, 25-21.
The second set opened as a back-and-forth battle before UND began to pull away midway through the frame with a 9-1 run.
An den Hamer recorded four kills and an ace during the run, while
Olivia Edlund added an ace of her own. The run brought the Fighting Hawks to set point at 24-15. Mercer attempted to mount a comeback with three consecutive kills, but a solo block from Montes gave the Hawks the set, 25-18.
With the matched tied at one set apiece, North Dakota came out strong in the third frame, building a 7-2 lead. The Bears battled back to tie the aet at 13-13, but the Hawks never allowed Mercer to take the lead. North Dakota recorded a match-high of 14 kills in the set while holding Mercer to only 10. The Hawks claimed the third set, 25-22.
The final set featured nine ties and six lead changes before North Dakota pulled away late with another 9-1 run. Edlund added an ace during the run, while
Lilliana Montes recorded two kills and a block assist. Despite a late challenge by the Bears, the Fighting Hawks closed out the set, 25-20, to secure the 3-1 victory.
North Dakota will begin a quick turnaround as it heads to Riverside, Calif. to compete in The Joust. The Hawks will face hosts Cal Baptists on Thursday Sept. 10, and before playing a doubleheader Friday against Idaho and Sacred Heart.
POST GAME NOTES
- UND trails in the all-time series against Mercer, 1-2.
- An den Hamer led the UND offense with 13 kills while hitting .481.
- North Dakota had 11.0 digs during the match while holding the Bears to 9.0.
- Reagan McIntosh continued to pace the offense with 33 assists.
- Olivia Edlund was a key presence at the net, recording five blocks, including two solos and three assists.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Mercer 25, North Dakota 21
Set 2: North Dakota 25, Mercer 18
Set 3: North Dakota 25, Mercer 22
Set 4: North Dakota 25, Mercer 20
For more information on North Dakota Volleyball, visit Fightinghawks.com or follow-on social media @UNDvolleyball.
--UND--
