SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Marauders Volleyball team traveled to Sioux Falls, S.D., tonight to take on the University of Sioux Falls Cougars. It was another tough matchup for U-Mary as the Cougars took the match in straight sets.
 
The Marauders demonstrated their resilience early in the first set as they kept the opening salvo close at 7-6 in favor of the Cougars. Sioux Falls would get a firm handle on the set, however, as they went on a 6-1 run to extend the lead to 13-7. U-Mary fought back and narrowed the gap to 18-15 but it wasn't enough as the Cougars went secure the first set 25-18.
 
The Marauders came back onto the court in the second set with determination as they fought back and forth with Sioux Falls to a 6-6 tie early in the set. U-Mary eventually gained the upper hand with a 12-11 advantage, but the Cougars locked in their offense and went on another 6-1 run to go up 17-13. In similar fashion to the first set, the Marauders fought back to narrow the margin at 18-15, yet the Cougars controlled the set from that point with a 7-0 run to put U-Mary away 25-15.
 
The last set started with another tight battle as both teams fought to an early 5-5 tie. The Marauders got the upper hand after a Lauren Randall kill put U-Mary ahead 7-5. Sioux Falls came crawling back and forced an 8-8 tie before they took the lead for good on the next point. The Marauder exhibited their trademark hardiness and reduced their deficit to 20-17, but it wouldn't matter as the Cougars closed out the match on a 5-1 run to send the Marauders to their seventh straight loss.
 
Randall was seemingly everywhere tonight, finishing with 10 kills, 20 attacks, .300 attack percentage, one assist, one ace and nine digs. Kelsey Boyd was right next to her with seven kills, 20 attacks, and one block assist.
 
Janell Finkbeiner recorded 20 assists during the match, making it her sixth game this season with at least 20 assists. She also finished with one kill and four digs.
 
Alex Brown continues to lead the defense as she finished with 15 digs in the match.
 
The Marauders (3-13, 0-7 NSIC) will travel to Marshall, Minn., on Saturday, Oct. 4, to take on #9 Southwest Minnesota State.
 
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