SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Minnesota State Moorhead volleyball team battled throughout Friday evening's NSIC matchup, but the Dragons ultimately fell to Sioux Falls in straight sets, 25-16, 25-22, 25-21, at the Stewart Center.
MSUM found its offensive rhythm as the match progressed, finishing with 43 kills and a .242 hitting percentage. However, the Cougars (7-13, 3-9 NSIC) delivered an efficient attacking performance of their own, hitting .346 as a team to secure the sweep.
Sioux Falls controlled the opening set, hitting .333 while recording 15 kills to take a 25-16 victory. The Dragons tallied 10 kills in the frame but struggled to slow the early Coo momentum.
MSUM responded with its strongest offensive showing of the night in the second set. The Dragons erupted for 17 kills while hitting an impressive .389, keeping the contest competitive throughout. Despite the offensive surge, Sioux Falls edged MSUM 25-22 to take a commanding two-set advantage.
The Dragons continued to battle in the third, recording 16 kills and hitting .214. MSUM remained within striking distance, but the Cougars maintained their offensive efficiency down the stretch to close out the match with a 25-21 set victory.
Raiah Mandell led the Dragons with 13 kills, hitting .333 to pace the MSUM attack. Ava Wild and Maci Martini contributed eight kills apiece, while Brielle Riess added seven kills. Madi Colby directed the offense with 21 assists, and Brooke Gillingham chipped in 16 assists. Defensively, Kiara Olesch and Ellie Keuseman led the Dragons with eight digs each. MSUM also recorded four service aces, with Keuseman delivering a pair. Mya Pfeifer tallied a pair of block assists on defense for Moorhead as well.
Up Next
The Dragons (11-10, 4-8 NSIC) will look to bounce back Saturday as they continue their road trip with a matchup against 11th-ranked Southwest Minnesota State at 2 p.m.
