BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University volleyball team fell in four close sets to the University of Minnesota, Crookston, 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 29-27) in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, Tuesday night. In the four-set match Hallie Mertz led the Beavers (3-14, 2-7 NSIC) with 14 of the team's 51 kills.
 
Teams traded points throughout the match, resulting in close sets. In the first set, the Golden Eagles (3-14, 2-7 NSIC) out-hit the Beavers, .182 to .036 resulting in the 25-to-18 win. Set two was the closest of the four with neither team leading by more than five at any time. The Golden Eagles would take the set, however, by a score of 25-22. In set three the Beavers earned the win with 16 kills in the set compared to Minnesota Crookston's 10 for the 25-18 victory. The final set of the night required more than 50 points to determine a victor but the Golden Eagles earned the set win and match after a controversial 29-27 victory.
 
On the attack, three Beavers totaled double digits in kills led by Mertz (14) with Meeghan Dahlager and Lauren Sitter following with 11 and 10, respectively. Assisting the Beavers' attack were Emily Wade and Hally Holker who split duties. Both student-athletes tallied over 20 assists, with Wade pacing the team at 22 and Holker with 20.
 
On defense, Annie Hopp lead BSU with 17 digs. Behind Hopp were Mertz and Ashley Crowl, both with 11. The Beavers blocked seven attacks in the match with Rylie Bjerklie pacing the team with five blocks (2s-3a). Ashley East followed her with three blocks (3a).
 
The Beavers continue their homestand this weekend as they host No. 3 Concordia University-St Paul on Friday followed by Minnesota State University, Mankato, Saturday. Action starts at 6 p.m., Friday and 11 a.m., Saturday.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers and Volleyball Facebook) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB)
 
Nestled in Northern Minnesota's wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
--bsu—