GRAND FORKS, N.D.-- Playing without Summit League leading scorer Lexi Klabo due to injury, North Dakota produced a 68-57 home win over Omaha Wednesday night at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. UND's posts stepped up in her stead as Julia Fleecs made her first career start with a game-high 14 points and Melissa Leet chipped in nine points, six boards, four blocks and three assists. 

"It was good to see some players in some different roles and do some good things," UND head coach Travis Brewster. "Melissa Leet came in and gave us a lift offensively and clogged the middle. We need to get that out of her when we get back to full strength. I thought we did some good things when we were in rhythm tonight."

UND (8-9, 3-1 Summit) got out to a quick start behind Fleecs and never really looked back. North Dakota led by nine at the break and held the Mavericks at bay to remain tied atop the early league standings. 
Fleecs scored half of UND's points in the first quarter then freshman Claire Orth recorded a half-dozen in the second quarter to help the home team to a 31-22 advantage at halftime. 

The third quarter was when Leet began to shine as the sophomore poured in seven points, including a couple elbow jumpers and a triple up top for an 11-point Fighting Hawks leading heading into the final frame. 

Omaha (6-10, 1-3) got the deficit to nine by no closer for UND's fifth win in their last six contests.

Alaina Jarnot added 13 points, five assists and four rebounds in the win. 

Elena Pilakouta had 13 points and eight rebounds and Claire Killian added 10 points with five boards and four steals for the Mavs.  

North Dakota hosts Western Illinois Sunday at the Betty. 

Notes:
*Klabo missed her first career collegiate game.
*Fleecs registered her first start. 
*UND had 21 assists on 27 made baskets. 
*North Dakota made 6-of-13 from the three-point line.