BISMARCK, ND - A few days after a sweep victory, the University of Mary Volleyball team remained at home in the McDowell Activity Center to start a two-game homestand for Cancer Awareness Weekend. Friday night the Marauders (3-15, 2-8 NSIC) met a young and strong opponent in the University of Sioux Falls (10-7, 6-4 NSIC) and dropped the contest to the Cougars 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-14).

Set one marked a close battle from beginning to end. The Marauders held their only lead early 6-4 before staying close with the Cougars throughout the rest of the set. The Cougars pulled ahead late 22-15 before the Marauders would claw back to get within reach at 23-19. However, the Cougars would gain the next two points on a Sadie Voss kill and a Marauders attack error.

Sets two and three would end similarly with the same scores of 25-14 for both sets. The Cougars would jump out to early leads thanks to a strong attack led by Sadie Voss with nine kills, Grace Hanel with eight, and both Jordan Kuper and Courtney Holsteen with seven kills each.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Reyna Isenbart had a solid night striking a team-high 6 kills while hitting 0.286.
• Maddy Freed turned in her seventh-straight game with at least 18 assists.
• McKenna Kirkpatrick looked solid with four kills and hitting 0.571 while adding two aces from the service line and a block.
• Robi Binagi contributed five kills plus seven digs.

UP NEXT
The University of Mary volleyball team will look for a quick turnaround but will have another tough test tomorrow with their 4th NSIC opponent faced that is ranked nationally in the top 10. The Marauders will square off against the #8 Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs Saturday at 2 pm in the MAC. Saturday will be another "Fight Night" No One Fights Cancer Alone-themed matchup. Fans are encouraged to help support the fight against cancer by giving donations to SAAC athletes in attendance, and also honor their loved ones that have battled cancer by writing their names on a ribbon that they receive at admission upon their donation.

#marauders#