ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Minnesota State University Moorhead volleyball team fought to the end on Saturday but fell to New Mexico Highlands in non conference action on Saturday, losing 25-27, 25-12, 16-25, 25-19, 15-12.

The Dragons finished the non conference season at 0-8.

Senior libero Sarah Petrbok and junior outside hitter Amanda Carlson earned all-tournament honors.
 

Junior outside hitter Amanda Carlson led the Dragons with 21 kills while junior Bridget Witzmann had eight. Ten Dragons had at least one kill.

Freshman setter Kelly Klees had 22 assists while freshman setter Halle Erickson had 19. Klees also had four service aces. 

Freshman middle blocker Jadyn Feist had 21 digs while senior libero Sarah Petrbok had 20. Klees had 14.

Freshman middle blocker Lexi Pew had two solo blocks and four assists. 

MSUM won a hard-fought first set 27-25, but New Mexico Highlands stormed back to win the second set 25-12. The Dragons controlled the third set 25-16 to go up 2-1 in the match. But New Mexico Highlands captured the fourth set 25-19 to set up a decisive fifth frame.

MSUM Was up in the fifth set 8-6 after a block from from freshman Brielle Kallberg and Feist, and a kill from Carlson. MSUM then surrendered the next three points to fall behind 9-8 and never led again.

MSUM hit .168 for the match while New Mexico Highlands hit .250.

The Dragons will open Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play on Friday at Upper Iowa.