GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Big Sky Conference play continued on the road for the Eastern Washington University volleyball team Saturday morning (Sept. 30). The Eagles took on the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota where they fell in straight sets.
Both sides went point for point to open the first set. Eastern was able to take an 11-10 lead following a kill from Taylor Larsen and a solo block from Jayde Robertsen. North Dakota was then able to use a 14-3 run to take the first set, 25-15.
After dropping the second set 25-12, Eastern struggled to find its momentum to open the third frame. Trailing 9-4, the Eagles' attack heated up as they fired off nine straight points to lead 13-10, their largest lead of the day. UND was able to respond and eventually pulled back ahead 22-16. Eastern would use a 3-0 run to cut the lead to three points following a solo block from Larsen, but it wasn't enough as the Fighting Hawks claimed set two 25-22 and the match 3-0.
WIN-LOSS RECORDS: Eastern falls to 5-8 on the season and an even 2-2 in conference play. The Fighting Hawks now improve to 19-2 overall with a 4-0 mark in the Big Sky. UND now leads the all-time series 10-1 and have claimed the last four meetings over the Eagles.
TOP PERFORMERS: For the fourth-straight match, Regan Harr claimed a double-double with 17 digs and 11 assists. Ashley Seiler also claimed her sixth double-double of the season with 10 kills and 11 digs. Seiler's 10 kills led the team for the 12th time this season, it also marked the 12th match with kills into the double digits.
Megan LaFond led the team with 18 digs, while Emma Dunn dished out a team-leading 14 assists.
KEY STATISTICS: The Fighting Hawks outnumbered Eastern Washington in every statistical category. UND was able to limit the Eagles to their lowest hitting percentage of the season, while swinging .246 themselves. North Dakota also put up 12 blocks to Eastern's three.
UP NEXT: Big Sky play continues on the road for Eastern Washington next week. The Eagles travel to North Arizona on Oct. 5 before taking on Southern Utah on Sept. 7.