DULUTH, MINN. -- Despite 13 kills from Averey Yaksich and 11 kills from Jordan Kuper, the University of Sioux Falls Volleyball (15-11, 10-8 NSIC) dropped a 3-0 decision (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) to Minnesota Duluth (18-9, 10-8 NSIC) in their final NSIC regular season road match of the season on Saturday afternoon. 

The first set was a closely contested matchup, with the Cougars taking an early lead straight out of the gate. USF .306 percent through the first set, with 15 kills on 36 attempts. The Bulldogs battled back, however, and ended up taking set one, 25-23 over the Cougars.

In set two, the Cougars hit just .179 percent, with 12 kills on 28 attempts. It was all UMD through set two, and USF fell, 25-19, as the Bulldogs took a 2-0 overall lead. 

The third and final set was a back-and-forth battle, with the Cougars fighting to stay alive throughout the contest. USF hit .139 percent with 12 kills on 36 attempts. USF trailed earlier but took a 21-19 lead late before the Bulldogs closed on a 6-2 run to take the set at 25-23 and wrap up the match. 

Individually, the Cougars were led on offense by Averey Yaksich, who had 13 kills and hit .355 percent on the night, with one service ace and a team-high 13 digs. She had her 11 career double double as she increased in USF season record in kills to 417 with two home matches to play. Yaksich is the league leader in kills and over the past three matches has 56 kills or a noteworthy, 5.6 kills/set. Close behind was freshman Jordan Kuper with 11 kills and six blocks. Krista Goerger also had 32 assists for the Cougars. As a team, USF hit .210 with 39 kills on 100 attacks with 18 errors. While USF had a 41-39 lead in total kills and outhit UMD (.188), the Bulldogs recorded an 8-1 edge in service aces.

Next week, the Cougars conclude their regular season with two matches at home. Friday, Nov. 12, USF hosts the Bemidji St. Beavers at 6 pm in the Stewart Center, followed by senior day on Saturday, Nov. 13 against Minnesota Crookston at 4 pm.