Next Match:
at Denver
11/9/2024 | NOON
Summit League Network
Nov. 09 (Sat) / NOON
at Denver
TULSA, Okla. – In a thrilling showdown, four Fighting Hawks delivered impressive performances, each recording at least nine kills, with junior Paige Barber and freshman Vanessa Imoh both leading the charge with 11 terminations apiece. North Dakota volleyball achieved a significant victory by snapping an eight-match Summit League losing streak with a remarkable .297 hitting percentage, setting a record for the team’s best attacking performance in any Summit League contest. The Fighting Hawks showcased their resilience by overcoming multiple deficits throughout Thursday night’s match in the Mabee Center, including a challenging 8-0 deficit to begin the second set. With this victory, UND secured its second Summit League win of the season, improving to an overall record of 9-14 and a conference record of 2-10. The triumph keeps the Hawks in contention for the final tournament spot as they approach the end of the regular season, with just four matches left to play.
Five opening set kills from Barber and four, including the crucial set clincher, from Imoh fueled North Dakota in the first frame. The Hawks hit .237 in that set, aided by three service aces, leading to a fiercely competitive game showcasing nine tied scores, the last at 16-16. Three terminations from Barber, supplemented by kills from redshirt freshman Olivia Edlund and senior Jarolin de los Santos Lugo, propelled the Hawks to a commanding 21-17 lead. In a nail-biting finish, UND needed crucial contributions from Imoh and a service ace from Maddy Hornyak to clinch the opening set, fending off the Golden Eagles.
Unfortunately for North Dakota, the momentum didn’t carry into the second set as ORU surged ahead with an 8-0 run, with the Hawks scoring their first point only on the ninth attempt. Nevertheless, a gritty response saw UND score ten of the next sixteen points, prompting an ORU timeout with the score at 14-10 in favor of the Eagles. Sophomore Lauren Perugini’s consecutive kills brought the Hawks within two points at 16-14. An ace from Perugini, alongside two ORU attack errors, enabled the Hawks to level the score at 17-17. The tension intensified as the set saw ties at 18-18, 19-19, and 20-20, before UND leveraged Perugini’s late-game heroics to claim the set.
Set three mirrored the competitive nature of its predecessors, demonstrating the Hawks’ reliance on a broad array of talents. After trailing 20-16, the momentum shifted with Perugini’s kills and a service ace from junior Izzie McCormick. Following an ORU timeout, junior Katy Riviere capitalized on the situation, scoring three of the next four points along with Imoh’s tenth termination to establish a 22-20 lead for UND. From that point onward, the Hawks dominated, with Imoh securing the final points and sealing a much-needed victory for her team.
North Dakota is set to travel to Denver for a pivotal noon matchup against the Pioneers. In their previous encounter at home on October 5, UND pushed DU to five sets before narrowly succumbing 15-13 in the final frame. This upcoming match can be experienced live through the Summit League Network, with live statistics available at FightingHawks.com.
Postgame Notes
- The straight-sets victory is the fourth for the Fighting Hawks this season and first in league play, giving head coach Jesse Tupac a total of twelve sweeps and nine in Summit League action since the start of the 2022 season.
- North Dakota’s team effort produced a .297 hitting percentage, marking the third-highest attack percentage this season and the highest ever achieved in a Summit League match.
- In an impressive display, UND racked up a match-high 52 kills.
- Imoh set a new career high in the win with 11 kills, hitting at a .250 clip.
- Barber contributed 11 kills at an efficient .350 percentage.
- Santos Lugo and Perugini both added nine kills, underscoring the team’s offensive depth.
- Setting the tone for the offense, sophomore Teagan Timperley led with 26 assists, while graduate Elizabeth Norris provided 24 assists.
- The Hawks recorded only two blocks, marking the fewest under coach Tupac in a winning effort.
- Hornyak’s 10 digs put her 56 digs away from reaching 1,000 for her career.
- Perugini excelled defensively, leading with a dozen digs as 11 players contributed to defensive efforts on Thursday night.
- Norris is now just 47 assists shy of reaching the impressive milestone of 2,000 career assists.
- Santos Lugo shone with two blocks and an ace, closing in on becoming the first player in UND’s DI era to register 100 blocks and 30 aces in a single season.
- The win marked UND’s sixth victory this season after winning the opening set, and the Hawks secured the first frame for the 11th time overall.
How It Happened
Set 1: UND, 25-23
Set 2: UND, 25-23
Set 3: UND, 25-21
For more information on North Dakota volleyball, visit FightingHawks.com or follow on social media @UNDvolleyball.
— UND —
**Interview with North Dakota Volleyball Coach Jesse Tupac**
**Interviewer**: Thanks for joining us, Coach Tupac. Congratulations on the recent victory that ended the eight-match Summit League losing streak! Can you share your thoughts on how that win boosts the team’s morale as you approach the final stretch of the season?
**Coach Tupac**: Thank you! It’s an incredible relief to finally get that win under our belts, especially after such a challenging stretch. The girls showed a lot of heart and resilience. I believe this victory reinvigorates our confidence and reminds us of just how talented this team is. It’s crucial as we head into our last few matches, and the importance of every point is magnified in these final games.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of talent, Paige Barber and Vanessa Imoh had standout performances with 11 kills each. How do you assess their contributions in this match, and what does it mean for the team moving forward?
**Coach Tupac**: Paige and Vanessa were phenomenal; they were both not only scoring points but also rallying the team when we faced deficits. Their ability to deliver in high-pressure moments is invaluable. We need them to continue this momentum, as we have some tough opponents ahead, starting with Denver. They set the tone for the rest of the squad and inspire everyone to elevate their game.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead to your next match against Denver, what are your key strategies to secure a win this time after a narrow loss in your previous encounter?
**Coach Tupac**: We are focusing on executing our game plan more efficiently, particularly in key moments where we let leads slip away in the last match. We’ll be emphasizing smart plays, maintaining strong communication, and harnessing the energy from our supporters. We believe we can push Denver again, and this time we’ll come out on top.
**Interviewer**: The competition for the final tournament spot is heating up as the regular season comes to a close. How are you planning to keep the team focused over this crucial period?
**Coach Tupac**: It’s essential for us to take one match at a time. The girls are well aware of the stakes, but keeping the pressure manageable is part of my job. We’ll keep our practices sharp and remind them to enjoy the game. The more they focus on playing their best without overthinking the consequences, the better off we’ll be.
**Interviewer**: Best of luck against Denver. Any final thoughts for fans who will tune in to watch the game on the Summit League Network?
**Coach Tupac**: I appreciate the support from our fans! Their energy means everything to us, and we’re excited to put on a show. I encourage everyone to cheer loud, as every bit helps us push forward. Go Hawks!
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Coach Tupac, and good luck in your upcoming match!
**Coach Tupac**: Thank you. We’re looking forward to it!
