The University of Minnesota Duluth and Wayne State (Neb.) College squared off Wednesday in Northern Sun Collegiate Conference quarterfinal action, but the Wildcats slipped by the Bulldogs in five sets at Romano Gymnasium. Wayne State moves on to face Southwest Minnesota State University in the semifinals, while UMD will set their sights on the NCAA Tournament Selection Show on Monday.

Senior middle blocker Sydnie Mauch further etched her name into the record books, as a fourth set block pushed her ahead of former Bulldog Monica Turner for the all-time blocking record. Mauch finished the match with five blocks, putting her career total at 388.

The Bulldogs looked to have a clear path to victory after claiming the first two sets, but Wayne State was able to respond with three straight sets of their own to steal a win. Each of the first four sets was decided by a 25-20 margin, while the decisive fifth frame went to WSC by a score of 15-13. The Bulldogs hold a 25-8 edge in the all-time series. UMD now holds a 3-3 record in matches decided in five sets, and an 8-3 record against ranked opponents.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs outhit Wayne State .211 to .180 on the match. The teams matched in errors at 25 a piece and UMD out-blocked the Wildcats by a 12-9 advantage. Individually, the Bulldogs posted eye-popping numbers throughout the box score. Sophomore outside hitter Makenzie Morgen racked up a career-best 22 kills while adding 17 digs for her 10th double-double of the season. Also posting 10+ kills and digs was senior outside hitter Taylor Wissbroecker, picking up 17 kills and 18 digs to mark her eight double-double. Sophomore libero Erin Schindler led the Bulldogs with 19 digs in addition to a pair of assists. Freshman setter Emily Torve matched her career-high assist total with 58. Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Kelly tallied seven blocks, also setting a career-high for UMD. Wayne State was led by senior outside hitter Michaela Mestl, who knocked down 11 kills while posting a match-high 32 digs.

UMD and WSC traded runs to kick off the game, with the Bulldogs jumping out quickly to a 4-0 advantage, quickly responded by Wayne State to tie the game at 5. Five lead changes later, the Bulldogs grabbed a 16-15 lead and would not allow the Wildcats on top the remainder of the set. A five point run and a block by junior middle blocker Allison Olley -- who tied a career-high with seven blocks on the match -- put UMD ahead by a 1-0 lead.

The second set proved to be full of runs for both sides, as Wayne State quickly jumped ahead 7-3 with seven of nine points. UMD responded by taking seven of the next nine points themselves, holding a slim 11-10 lead. With the Bulldogs holding a late 19-18 lead, UMD rattled off six of eight to capture a 25-20 second set victory.

Wayne State fought back in the third and fourth sets, taking both by a 25-20 score. The Bulldogs never held a lead in the third frame and did not jump ahead in the fourth set until holding a 15-14 lead. WSC quickly battled back to even up the match at two sets following a kill by senior middle blocker Alyssa Frauendorfer.

UMD opened the 2016 campaign by coming away with wins in their first three five set matches, but have now dropped the last three matches to go the distance. The Bulldogs held a lead much of the fifth set, but were unable to put the Wildcats away despite holding a 12-7 lead. Wayne State rattled off seven straight points -- their longest streak of the match -- and eventually put UMD away by a 15-13 score.

The NSIC Tournament will head to St. Paul, Minn. for the final three matches, before teams turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs were ranked second in the Central Region Rankings released earlier Wednesday, and will await the Selection Show to determine their NCAA Tournament bid.