FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State volleyball team topped Southern Illinois Edwardsville, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.
Both teams battled through eight ties and three lead changes in the opening frame until SIUE (1-5) was able to build a three-point edge, 20-17, following an NDSU (1-4) timeout. The Cougars then pushed their lead to 23-19 with a kill from Alyse Drifka. SIUE went on to win the frame, 25-20.
The two teams continued to trade points with nine total ties in the second frame until the Cougars opened up a 19-15 edge to force an NDSU timeout. The Bison then rallied with four straight points capped off by a solo block from Ally Barth to lock the frame, 19-19. NDSU went on to close the set with three straight points to win the frame, 26-24.
The Bison carried the momentum into the third set sprinting out to a 6-0 lead following a kill from Ali Hinze. NDSU then stretched its lead to 10-14 after Maddy Dombeck connected on a service ace. The Bison posted a .370 hitting percentage in the frame and went on to win the set, 25-19.
Both teams traded points throughout the fourth set until SIUE grabbed a 19-18 lead to force an NDSU timeout. The Bison responded with four straight points including an ace from Lauren Jansen and a kill from Arianna Blohm to steal a 23-18 advantage. NDSU went on to close out the set, 25-18, and the match, 3-1.
Hinze led the way for NDSU with a match-high 18 kills and 14 digs. Baily Randall and Alexis Boling both added in 11 kills of their own, while Blohm also reached double figures with 10 kills. Logan O’Brien contributed a team-best 18 digs on the defensive end and Emily Bruss handed out a match-best 30 assists.
NDSU will continue its homestand hosting Montana on Friday. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m., at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.