MORRIS, Minn. – The Cougars (20-11, 10-2 UMAC) rebounded quite nicely on Saturday night, beating both Wisconsin-Eau Claire and North Central. Minnesota Morris beat the BluGolds 3-1 before sweeping North Central 3-0.
Emily Auch had a combined 23 kills in what could be the final home match for the Cougars this season.
Minnesota Morris will take on Northland and St. Scholastica next weekend, a pair of wins would lock up a home match to kick off the UMAC Tournament. Earlier this season the Cougars swept the Saints, meaning they hold the tie breaker over the Saints at the moment if they need it, but certainly they will want to lock it up with two wins next weekend.
The Cougars controlled the first set, jumping all over the BluGolds early. The forced an early timeout but it didn't do much to slow Morris down. They would take the set 25-14 and early 1-0 lead in the match.
The second set was similar to first except it was Wisconsin-Eau Claire jumping out to a lead. The Cougars needed a timeout to slow them down, and it worked as they pulled within three midway through the second set. Wisconsin-Eau Claire tried to pull away from the Cougars late in the set but Morris forced a time out after a late rally, pulling within three at 24-21. However, the BluGolds would hold on for a 25-22 win.
Morris quickly took a 7-1 lead in the third set but methodically Wisconsin-Eau Claire chopped that lead away. They would catch the Cougars at 12 but UMM rallied to take a five point lead at 19-14. The BluGolds responded once again and tied it at 23. The two teams went back and forth until the Cougars scored three straight to win the set 29-27.
Morris used the momentum from the win in the third set to jump out to a 9-4 lead. Wisconsin-Eau Claire would cut the lead to two at 10-8, forcing a UMM timeout. Following the break UMM found a way to take a five point lead at 15-10. The BluGolds would never respond and Morris kept their distance, taking a seven point lead at 23-16.
Morris had an easier time in the match with North Central. They dominated the first set, winning by a score of 25-5.
The second set was closer as the Cougars rotated players in and out too get everyone some playing time. Morris won the set 15-18, pulling away late. The third set was even closer but the Cougars found a way to win the set 25-20.
