BOX SCORE Duluth, M.N.-- Augustana Volleyball traveled to Duluth, MN this evening hoping to knock off a top-five ranked opponent in the Bulldogs. However, UMD was too much for the Vikings as they fell in straight sets (25-18, 25-9, 25-22). The loss drops Augustana to 5-11 (0-8 NSIC) on the year and brings Minnesota Duluth to 13-3 (7-1 NSIC).

The Vikings traded points early with the No. 5 Bulldogs. Payton Rosendahl brought Augustana within one with a kill, leaving the Vikings trailing in the first set 11-10. The Vikings continued to compete with the Bulldogs, but UMD proved too much for the Vikings taking the first set 25-18.

The second set was all Bulldogs. UMD pulled away early 8-4 forcing an Augustana timeout. Out of the timeout the Bulldogs finished on a 17-5 run and took the second set 25-9.

Set three was tight throughout as Augustana called their first timeout with Minnesota Duluth leading 16-14. A kill from Avery Thorson brought Augie back within one (17-18), prompting a UMD timeout. The Vikings and Bulldogs continued to trade points to a tie at 21. However, UMD finished strong to take the third and final set 25-22.

For the match, Augustana hit .180 to Minnesota Duluth's .473. The Vikings tallied four blocks to the Bulldogs seven.

Leading the Vikings was Courtney Place with eight kills and nine digs. Avery Thorson compiled 22 assists.

Leaders for the Bulldogs were Makenzie Morgen with 15 kills, Keena Seiffert with 16 digs and Emily Torve with 44 assists.

The Vikings are back in action Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. Cloud State University.