SIOUX FALLS, SD – A tight contest decided by big runs saw the University of Mary volleyball team come up short in four sets (25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 25-18) to Augustana University.

UMary (4-20, 2-14 Northern Sun) recorded 42 kills on a .099 hitting percentage, while AU (12-14, 8-8 NSIC) had 57 kills on a .292 hitting percentage. The Marauders did hold an advantage on serves. UMary posted 12 aces and seven serving errors, while the Vikings had seven aces and 14 serving errors.

The Marauders got off to a hot start in the first set, taking an 11-3 lead. AU responded with a 12-0 run that gave the Vikings a 15-11 lead. The Marauders could not regain their early form and fell 25-21 in the set.

UMary held a 23-18 and a 24-21 lead in the second set and could not finish off the Vikings. AU finished the set on an 8-1 run to win 26-24.

The Marauders showcased their grit in the third set as a 5-0 run gave UMary a 24-19 lead. A Charli Blackman kill off a Maddy Freed assist earned The Marauders a 25-23 set victory.

The fourth set was controlled by the Vikings as AU won 25-18, winning the match in four sets.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Holli Klettheimer put up eight kills and four blocks.

Kaia Sueker recorded a team-best 26 kills and three aces.

Maddy Freed dished out 38 assists. She also had three aces and two blocks.

Gabby Caskey posted eight kills.

Robi Binagi had seven kills.

Charli Blackman had seven digs and six kills.

UP NEXT                                                                                                                                                                      
The Marauders return home for their final games of the season at the McDowell Activity Center. Starting with Wayne State College on Friday, November 15, at 6 pm. UMary's final game is on Saturday, November 16, at 3:30 pm.

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