FARGO, N.D. - Western Illinois volleyball fell in its weekend opener to the North Dakota State Bison, 3-0, on Friday evening (Nov. 8). The squads split their season series with each team recording a sweep at home.

"NDSU is a much improved team who earned the win," head coach April Hall said. "We were unable to be terminal and win the serve-pass game tonight. We have a goal to make the Summit League Tournament and knowing this team, we will come out hard tomorrow night and prove that we deserve to be there."

The Bison took the opening set, 25-21, to earn the early match advantage. The Leathernecks held a 13-9 lead midway through the set, but NDSU put together a 10-point run to go up 19-13. Western fought back however, using a six-point run tie the match at 19-19. The Bison held strong and recorded the next five points to re-take the lead and eventually capture the set.

NDSU carried momentum into the second set, jumping out to an early 8-3 lead and forcing the Leathernecks to call a timeout. The Bison were able to hold off a Leatherneck comeback attempt following the timeout as they took the set, 25-20.

The final set went to the Bison, 25-19. The set featured a pair of tied scores but NDSU used a five-point run midway through to widen their lead and earn the match sweep.

For the third straight match Mallory Gibson led the offensive attack, posting 14 kills for the Purple & Gold. Ann Miller added seven kills, while Heather Smith recorded five for the Leathernecks.

Setter Sarah Fetter notched a double-double as she recorded 28 assists and 10 digs.

Molly Murphy posted a team-best 12 digs for Western while also recording three service aces. Jordan Jackson led the Leathernecks with three blocks.

Western falls to 11-15 overall following the match and 5-6 in league play. NDSU improves to 5-19 overall and also holds a 5-6 mark in conference play.

The Leathernecks now head to Brookings, S.D. for a Saturday (Nov. 9) match against South Dakota State. First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside Frost Arena.