Sioux Falls, S.D. – The University of Minnesota Crookston pushed Sioux Falls past the needed 25 points in set one, but would ultimately fall at the Stewart Center on Friday night (24-26, 19-25, 11-25).
 
Minnesota Crookston falls to 3-10 overall and 0-6 in NSIC play.
 
Set One
The first set would be a thrilling one and would see the Golden Eagles soar out to a 4-0 lead, highlighted by the first of seven kills from Maya Jones (So., OH, New Braunfels, Texas).
 
Madison Carsten (So., OH, Wadena, Minn.) would help the Golden Eagles take a 10-4 lead, also with the first of her seven kills.
 
A Megan Schoenfelder (So., MH, Zumbrota, Minn.) kills would give the Golden Eagles a four point lead. Following a Cougar side out, Emma Malek (So., MH, Plainfield, Ill.) would collect a kill for a 21-17 lead.
 
That lead would evaporate, as USF would score six in a row, but Jones would get the Golden Eagles back within one following a kill.
 
The Cougars would have a set point, but back-to-back kills from Carsten and Baily Teveldal (Fr., S, Baltic, S.D.) would push the set past 25, but USF would score the final two points for the 26-24 win.
 
Set Two
Following the deflating set one loss, the maroon and gold would look to get back in the match in set two.
 
The Golden Eagles would jump out to a trio of one point leads early on in the set, including a 5-4 lead after Carizma Muth (R-Fr., OH, Randolph, Wis.) would collect a kill.
 
USF would take a 7-5 lead, but the Golden Eagles would get within one, three different times.
 
USF would take a six point lead at 22-16, but the Golden Eagles would get back into it following three points in a row.
 
Following that 3-0 run, USF would score the final three points of the set for the win in set two.
 
Set Three
Looking to win the match in straight sets, it would be a good start for the Cougars, scoring the first four points.
 
The scrappy Golden Eagles would answer with three of their own, cutting the lead to one.
 
Following that point, it would be all Cougars, who would win the final set by 14, for the sweep of the Golden Eagles.
 
Individual Stats
The Golden Eagles had a trio of Golden Eagles finish with seven kills. Jones, Carsten and Malek each had seven kills in the match.
 
Kailee Waasdorp (So., DS, West Fargo, N.D.) ended the night with 19 digs and a service ace, while Carsten finished with 14 digs. Teveldal added 24 assists on the night.
 
What's Next
The Golden Eagles will be back on the road next Thursday, as they head to Bemidji State for the Highway-2 rivalry. First serve is set for 6 P.M., from BSU Gymnasium.