The sixth ranked University of Minnesota Duluth put up a strong attack against a sharp No. 2 Cal State – San Bernardino offense, but couldn't hold them off as they lose in four sets 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 18-25, putting them at 1-1 at the Texan Invitaional.
 
Both teams look to be on par with each other, but the Coyotes were on their game, out hitting the Bulldogs with a .319 attacking clip versus UMDs' .257.
 
The first set saw both teams come out firing, seeing both teams stay within 3 points throughout most of the set. Cal State rattled of three straight, with the Bulldogs countering with 4 of their own. The Coyotes managed to chip away, taking the lead and the set. Junior outside hitter Kate Berg had seven kills in the set.
 
In the second set, Cal State started off to a commanding lead, going up 8-2. The Bulldogs managed to chip away, bringing the score to within one at 15-16. UMD took the lead, but the Coyotes would take it back, eventually winning the set. Senior setter Emily Balts managed to find 5 different teammates, dishing out 11 assists while collecting one kill of her own.
 
The third set was a battle the entire way, with Cal State starting off with a 6-1 run. UMD battled back, eventually tying the set, and taking the lead. This set would take extra points to decide a winner, with the Bulldogs facing set point twice. The Bulldogs won the set 27-25. Balts had 16 assists, junior middle blocker Lexy Langenfeld had three blocks and senior right side hitter Hanna Meyer had two blocks in the set.
 
The fourth and final set saw the Coyotes start off strong once again, taking the lead 6-2. UMD would put up a fight, pulling within one point. The Bulldogs would eventually tie it up at 15, but it was all Cal State from there on, with the Bulldogs not being able to find any momentum from there forward. Senior middle blocker Abby Thor had five kills in the set.
 
Despite the Bulldogs leading the Coyotes in attacks (144-135), Cal State was more efficient in their kills. Berg finished the match with 19 kills. Thor rattled off 11 kills and four blocks. Langenfeld finished with three blocks and eight kills and Balts dished out 43 assists in the match.
 
The Bulldogs continue play tomorrow with a double header, starting with the University of West Alabama at 2 p.m., and close the Texan Invitational against No. 14 Rockhurst University at 7 p.m.