Minnesota, Morris 0 (18, 25, 17)
Northland 3
The Cougar volleyball team rounded out its longest road trip of the season (6.5 hours one way) with a frustrating loss to Northland College, 3-0.
While the Cougars played well in a five set loss to St. Scholastica the night previous, the match against Northland was marred by attack errors and poor passing. The Cougars’ typically strong front line finished the match with a negative attack percentage on offense (-.043).
“We just didn’t play our best ball tonight,” said head coach Chad Braegelmann. “To end this road trip this way is disappointing.”
In the first set, Northland jumped out to an early 12-5 lead. The Cougars rallied to cut the lead to four at 22-18, but expended a great deal of energy in the process, and lost the last three points to close the set.
The Cougars overcame an early four point deficit to take a late lead in the second set, 19-17. But the Lumberjills rallied again and took the set in extra points, 27-25.
Despite the weekend, the Cougars are still well-positioned for post-season UMAC play. They are tied for fourth in the conference with a 3-3 record (9-12 overall).
“We’re sore and beat up. It will be good to have a couple days to rest this week,” said Braegelmann.
UMM will rest until Tuesday when they travel to Presentation for a midweek game. The following weekend they journey to the Cities for road games against Northwestern and Crown College.
Box Score
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Megan Theis (5), Allie Humphrey (5)
Assists: Natalie Thomas (9), Sam Pfannenstein (8)
Digs: Lindsay Jacobson (17), Colleen Hermes (12)
