Marshall, Minn. – In a top 25 matchup, the UMD Bulldogs traveled to face the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. The Bulldogs were able to battle back to draw a fifth set, but fell to the Mustangs 2-3 ( 20-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-22, 9-15).
 
The first set would see the Bulldogs jump out to a early 3-0 lead. This lead would be temporary however as the Mustangs would score 11 of the next 13 points to take a 5-11 lead. The Bulldogs would battle back to draw closer to the Mustangs, trailing 12-14. From there, the Mustangs would take over the set and would go on to beat the Bulldogs 20-25 to win the first set.
 
The Mustangs would start strong in the second set and would jump out to a 5-12 lead. From there, the Bulldogs could not gain any momentum in the set. The Bulldogs were able to string together 6 straight points towards the end of the set, but it would prove to be not enough as the Mustangs would be able to close out the Bulldogs 19-25 in set two.
 
The third set would see UMD continue their momentum from then end of the second set to jump out to an early 9-4 lead. The Bulldogs would not stop there as they would build on this momentum and build their lead to 16-9. The Bulldogs would use this momentum throughout the rest of the third set. The Bulldogs would build up to a 24-14 lead. The Mustangs would not go away quietly however as they would score 6 straight points to get it to a 24-20 deficit. Thanks to a block from Cianna Selbitschka and Grace Daak, the Bulldogs were able to close out the set to win 25-20.

The fourth set would be the toughest set of the day so far. The Mustangs would start the set with the momentum, taking a 6-12 lead. The Bulldogs would not roll over however, as they would grind it out and pull it to a 14-14 time. Teams would continue to trade points until UMD was able to take a 23-21 lead. The Bulldogs would be able to continue with their momentum and close out the Mustangs 25-22 to force a fifth set.
 
The fifth set started with teams trading points between teams. The Bulldogs were able to jump out to a 7-5 advantage. The Mustangs would respond by taking a 10-8 lead. The Bulldogs could not gain momentum in the fifth set as the Mustangs were able to close out the Bulldogs and with the fifth set 9-15, winning the match 2-3.
 
The Bulldogs were led by Sophomore Cianna Selbitschka who had 17 kills. Sophomore Grace Daak added 13 kills for the Bulldogs. Redshirt Junior Madison Gordon added 40 assists for the Bulldogs. Senior Sydney Lanoue added 18 digs for UMD while Madison Gordon added 11 digs for a double double.
 
The Mustangs were led by Angela Young who had 21 kills. Alisa Bengen added 46 assists while Payton Hjerleid added 15 digs.
 
WHOS NEXT:
The Bulldogs will return home as they will face Minnesota State – Mankato on Friday October 1^st at 6:00 PM. The Bulldogs will then face Concordia University, St. Paul on October 2 at 2:00 PM.