Sioux Falls, SD – Julianna Hughes was the definition of efficiency and consistency for the University of Mary on day two of competition at the Augie Invite. Hughes recorded an outstanding .429 hitting percentage to go along with her team-leading 12 kills to open day two against the Fort Hays State University Tigers. Hughes continued as the Marauders most efficient player, recording a .333 hitting percentage to close out the weekend at the Augie Invite against the Lindenwood University Lions.
 
Despite Hughes consistent play, the Marauders dropped the last two matches of the tournament. The Marauders fell to Fort Hays State in four sets (25-16, 22-25, 12-25, 20-25) in the first match of the day before Lindenwood University swept UMary 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-13) to close out the weekend.
 
In game one of the day against the Fort Hays State Tigers, the Marauders came out to a roaring start, dominating the first set 25-16. The Marauders took the lead early in the match and never looked back. In set two, the Marauders put up a very solid fight, going back and forth with the Tigers throughout the entirety of the set but in the end the Tigers were able to pull away to win25-22 and even the match at one set each. During set three the Tigers took control, taking the lead early and extending it further on the way to a 25-12 win. The Marauders hoped to even the match during set four and battled to the end before the Tigers pulled away to win the set 25-20 and claim the match.
 
Sydney Murphy continued her dominant ways in this match with a game-high 36 assists.
 
Morgan Schnabel recorded nine kills in this match but it was her serving that caught the eye on the score sheet in this game. Schnabel recorded a game-high three aces.
 
Hughes recorded a team-leading 12 kills while posting an impressive .429 kill percentage.
 
In game two on the final day of the tournament the Marauders took on a very tough Lindenwood University. The Lions entered the match against the Marauders with just one loss, falling to #7 Northern State. The Lions flexed their muscles against the Marauders, winning in three straight sets. The first set was all Lions when they jumped out to a 7-0 lead. It wasn't until Schnabel recorded a kill off an assist from Murphy that UMary was able to end the streak. That did not slow down the Lions however, as they continued to pull away and eventually won the first set 25-12. In the second set the Marauders came out with a fire lit inside of them and took an early lead. UMary managed to keep close before Lindenwood pulled away the end for a 25-23 win. In the third set, Lindenwood showed they were a force to be reckoned with, pulling away early to win the set 25-13 and sweep the match.
 
The Lions posted an impressive .320 hitting percentage compared to the Marauders .020 hitting percentage throughout the match.
 
Schnabel was back on top of the kills leaders for the Marauders with another double-digit performance, recording ten kills throughout the three-set match.
 
Murphy continued to excel, leading the Marauders in both assists with 22 and digs with 12.
 
The Marauders open conference play at Northern State University on Wednesday, September 5. UMary's first home match is 6 pm on Saturday, September 8, against Minnesota State University Moorhead in the McDowell Activity Center.
 
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