Crookston, Minn. – After a thrilling five-set victory last Saturday against UMary, Minnesota Crookston was looking to repeat the magic this afternoon against the University of Sioux Falls. After a close set one, USF would control the rest of the way for the sweep over the Golden Eagles (23-25, 13-25, 14-25).
 
Minnesota Crookston falls to 3-10 (1-4 NSIC), while the Cougars improve to 6-7 (2-3 NSIC).
 
Set One
The first set would see USF take an early 4-2 lead, but the Golden Eagles would score the next three points, highlighted by a Maya Jones (Fr., OH, New Braunfels, Texas) kill and service ace.
 
The Cougars would eventually stretch their lead to 9-5, but the Golden Eagles would score the next five points, highlighted by a pair of service aces from Madison Carsten (Fr., OH, Wadena, Minn.) and a kill, as well as a kill from Audrey Cariveau (So., OH, Kevil, Kent.).
 
USF would eventually re-extend their lead to 18-13, but the Golden Eagles would chip away.
 
Back-to-back kills from Jones and Mara Weisensel (Sr., MH, New Ulm, Minn.) would tie the set at 21. The set would then be tied at 22, but the Cougars would score three of the next four points for the set one victory.
 
Jones had six kills in the opening set.
 
Set Two
The Golden Eagles would start strong in set two, scoring the first two points on a Cariveau swing and a kill from Emma Malek (Fr., RS/OH, Plainfield, Ill.).
 
Sioux Falls would lead 7-4, but that lead would be chipped to just one following another Jones service ace.
 
The Cougar lead would eventually be stretched out to 15-7, forcing a Minnesota Crookston timeout. Following the timeout, the Golden Eagles would score the next three, including a kill from Dana Melby (R-Fr., S, Gonvick, Minn.).
 
USF would control the remainder of the set for the 12 point set two win.
 
Set Three
The do or die set would go back-and-forth and would be tied at seven.
 
From that point, USF would control the set and win the set, 25-14.
 
Stats
Jones finished with 10 kills on 31 total attacks, while Carsten finished with eight. Cariveau and Malek each added five.
 
Jones added 11 digs for her third straight double-double, while Waasdorp added 14 digs. The Golden Eagles did finish with five service aces.
 
What's Next
Minnesota Crookston is back in action on Tuesday, as they welcome in No. 6 St. Cloud State for a 6 P.M. match.