BROOKINGS, S.D. – The University of North Dakota volleyball team fell in three sets to South Dakota State on Thursday night. The Fighting Hawks move to 8-16 overall and 2-11 in Summit League play.
An den Hamer paced the Fighting Hawks on both sides of the ball, recording 15 kills and 11 digs for her second career double-double. Her 11 digs also marked a new career high for the Dutch right side.
South Dakota State quickly built momentum in the opening set, jumping out to a 7-1 lead over UND. The Fighting Hawks were unable to recover, falling 25-14 in the first frame.
The Hawks battled early in the second set, keeping the score close as the frame featured five ties and two lead changes.
Olivia Edlund helped pace the UND offense, hitting a perfect 1.000 with two kills on two attempts. However, a mid-set run by South Dakota State allowed the home team to pull away. The Jackrabbits took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-20 second-set victory.
UND came out with a different approach in the third set, jumping out to an early 7-4 advantage. The lead was fueled by a four-point unanswered run, during which
Ela Vlaisavljevic and
An den Hamer each recorded a service ace. The Hawks maintained their advantage until the Jackrabbits evened the score at 19. The frame featured nine ties and four lead changes.
Den Hamer continued to lead the UND attack, recording 11 kills and hitting .600 in the final set. The two teams traded points down the stretch, but South Dakota State came away with a 25-22 set victory to complete the sweep.
North Dakota will close out its 2026 campaign on Saturday at South Dakota. The Fighting Hawks and Coyotes will face off at 5 p.m. in Vermillion, S.D.
POSTGAME NOTES
- South Dakota State continues to maintain control of the all-time series, leading North Dakota 64-31.
- An den Hamer's double-double marks the 19th by a Fighting Hawk this season.
- Ela Vlaisavljevic directed the UND offense with 20 assists, setting a new career high. The freshman setter also established a career high with seven digs.
- Sally Marong contributed on both sides of the ball, recording six kills and five digs.
- Skylar Darr served as the primary libero for the Hawks, collecting nine digs.
- UND recorded eight blocks against SDSU. Marianna Rivera, Olivia Edlund and Vlaisavljevic each contributed two.
- The Hawks committed just three service errors, while the Jackrabbits recorded 10.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: South Dakota State 25, North Dakota 14
Set 2: South Dakota State 25, North Dakota 20
Set 3: South Dakota State 25, North Dakota 22
For more information on North Dakota Volleyball, visit Fightinghawks.com or follow-on social media @UNDvolleyball.
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