Bismarck, ND – The University of Mary volleyball team continued their homecoming week action with a match against #11 Southwest Minnesota State University. The Marauders came out with incredible energy, determined to upset a national powerhouse. UMary, playing some of their best volleyball of the year could not overcome the well rounded attack of the Mustangs and fell in three sets (25-22, 25-15, 25-18).
With the loss the Marauders fall to 3-19 on the season and 0-14 in conference play.
The Marauders came out hot in the first set, looking for a big upset to highlight homecoming week. UMary took the lead early and held onto it late into the set leading 21-17. The Mustangs then flexed their muscles and went on an 8-1 run to clinch the set 25-22. Big blocks by
Katja Berge,
Bailey Harms, and
Madison Bergthold energized the Marauders the whole set and gave them the opportunity to take a set against the Mustangs.
SMSU jumped out to an early lead in set two working their way up to a 19-11 lead. The Marauders attempted to battle back rallying four straight points to put the set within four, 19-15. The Mustangs went on to show why they are looked at as a national powerhouse, running off six straight points to clinch the set 25-15.
The Mustangs took the lead right away in set three and never looked back. The Marauders battled hard, keeping it close early, only trailing by two late in the set, 15-13. The Mustangs then put up six straight points to put the set out of reach for the Marauders. SMSU would eventually go on to take the set 25-18 to sweep UMary in three sets.
The Marauders were led by
Katja Berge who posted a game high of four blocks to go along with her team high of five kills.
Bailey Harms pitched in another four blocks to tie Berge for the game high.
Madison Bergthold added another three blocks to give the Marauders an 8-7 advantage over the Mustangs in blocks.
Natalia Cruz faced a new role in tonight's match as she started the game at libero for the first time. Cruz rose to the occasion posting a team high of 18 digs.
The Marauders had no answer for the Mustangs AVCA DII National Player of the Year and two time first team All-American selection, Taylor Reiss. The junior, outside hitter posted 23 kills, 14 digs, 2 aces, and 2 blocks against UMary.
The University of Mary will be back in action next weekend as they head south to take on Wayne State College on Friday, October 19 at 6 pm. The Marauders will follow that match up with a match against Augustana University on Saturday, October 20 at 5 pm.
#Marauders#
