BISMARCK, ND – Taking on the challenge of hosting the top-ranked team in the country and the defending national champion, the University of Mary came out swinging. Senior Lauren Randall posted a game-high 14 kills and freshman Natalia Cruz added 13 but the Marauders couldn't match the pace of #1 Concordia-St. Paul. The Golden Bears swept the Marauders 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-16) to start the final weekend of the regular season.
 


Randall, who posted 17 kills at Concordia-St. Paul earlier this season, hammered home her 14 kills in the outside hitter's first match since learning she was named to the 2017 Northern Sun all-conference team. The Burnsville, MN, native hit .200 for the match and chipped in four digs and two block assists.
 
After a slow start, Cruz closed fast for the Marauders. The native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, led the Marauders with a .308 hitting percentage. After recording three kills in each of the first two sets, Cruz terminated seven balls in the final set.
 
Katelyn Olson distributed 27 assists for the Marauders and added eight digs. Geovana Almeida chipped in seven digs.
 
Hope Schiller led the Golden Bears with 12 kills. Shelby Seurer added eight kills and Mariya Sampson seven. Elizabeth Mohr assisted on all 39 CSP kills and added two aces.
 
The Golden Bears hit .321 for the night to .156 for the Marauders.
 
The Marauders conclude the 2017 season on Saturday, Nov. 11, when Minnesota State University visits. Game time is 4 pm at the McDowell Activity Center on Senior Day for UMary.
 
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