A fast start wasn’t enough to carry the UND volleyball team in its season opener Friday afternoon.
UND cruised to victory in the first set before falling 16-25, 25-21, 25-14, 25-21 to North Dakota State at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.
The Bison, who swept UND last season, was picked to finish fifth in the Summit League while UND was predicted sixth.
The game was UND’s first since Nov. 15, 2019, against Oral Roberts — a span of more than 430 days.
UND was led by Lexi Ahrens’ 12 kills. Peyton Sewell added seven kills and 28 assists, while Sara Antic had six kills and three service aces.
The Bison were paced by Alexis Bachmeier, who finished with 17 kills and four service aces. Syra Tanchin and Allie Mauch added 14 and 12 kills, respectively.
Bison setter Kelley Johnson had 47 assists.
