ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball team opened the NSIC slate with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-16) to St. Cloud State University Thurs., Sept. 6 at Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud, Minn.

The Golden Eagles fall to 2-7 (0-1 NSIC) with Thursday's loss to St. Cloud State. The Huskies moved to 5-2 (1-0 NSIC) with the victory.

Minnesota Crookston was hindered by attack errors on Thursday night as they finished with 18 errors compared to just 15 kills to finish with a -.039 attack percentage. The Golden Eagles were able to play strong overall defensively on the night as they held St. Cloud State under their season averages for kills and attack percentage, but it was unfortunately not enough in the loss. Minnesota Crookston will look to build on the positives both offensively and defensively as they continue their NSIC slate. 

Top Performers
Minnesota Crookston
Hannah Stark, 6 kills, 6 digs, .053 hitting pct.
Deaira Gresham, 5 kills, 6 digs, .059 hitting pct. 
Sydney Kruisselbrink, 14 assists, 2 blocks
Katie Lienemann, 8 digs
Callie Schapekahm, 2 blocks

St. Cloud State
Abby Templin, 11 kills, 2 blocks, .381 hitting pct.
Linsey Rachel, 8 kills, 7 digs, .263 hitting pct.
Micah Nier, 7 kills, 2 blocks, .333 hitting pct.
Clara Krenz, 14 digs
Taylor Olstad, 10 digs

Set One
St. Cloud State got out to an early 4-0 lead in the first set. Minnesota Crookston responded and was able to pull within 4-3 following a Lindsey Rachel attack error. However, the Huskies came right back with a 4-0 run as they moved their advantage to 8-3. St. Cloud State would hold on for the 25-15 win despite periodic charges made in the match by the Golden Eagles.

Set Two
The Huskies again used early momentum in the second frame as they took a 6-1 lead in the early going guided by a series of attack errors by Minnesota Crookston. The Golden Eagles countered with a crucial run as they knotted up the match 7-7 following a Micah Nier attack error. The Golden Eagles would continue to keep it close until St. Cloud State put forth a 5-0 run to move into an 18-12 lead. Minnesota Crookston did not give in and was able to pull within 20-17 after a Maddy Torve attack error. The Huskies would hold on late as they would be able to take the set 25-19 to move into a 2-0 overall lead.

Set Three
St. Cloud State continued the trend they had through the first two sets as they were propelled by an early lead, this time jumping out to a 7-1 advantage. Minnesota Crookston came within three points at 11-8 after an Abby Templin attack error. St. Cloud State was able to again hold off any charges by the Golden Eagles as they took the final frame 25-16 to win the match 3-0.

Minnesota Crookston will make their home debut against No. 6 University of Minnesota Duluth Sat., Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. at Lysaker Gymnasium.