NEW ULM, Minn.  – The Minnesota Morris Cougars (17-10, 5-0 UMAC) moved to 5-0 in UMAC play with a 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 sweep of Martin Luther (4-23, 3-3 UMAC). The Cougars hit .235 in the match to overpower the Knights.
 
Morris took a 6-2 lead in the first set and never looked back. The Cougars increased the lead to six at 13-7. The largest lead of the set came when Brooke Decker picked up a kill to make the score 21-13. The set ended with kill by Abby Tietz to make the score 25-19.
 
Much like the first set the Cougars sprinted to an early lead. The Cougars were up 10-4 early and it only got better. The lead would grow to nine at 18-9 before Morris won 25-16.
 
In the third set Martin Luther did their best to stick with the Cougars. Morris went on a 6-2 run to take a four point lead but the Knights did not break. The Knights pulled within a couple points, pushing the Cougars. Morris did not give in, holding off the Knights for a 25-21 win.
 
This weekend the Cougars host North Central and Wartburg in a tri-match. It will also be the kickoff event for the Soles4Souls event. Fans are encouraged to donate shoes to people in need and have a chance to win prizes at the event. You can learn more HERE.
 
Marissa Ekness finished with a team high 17 kills and terminated at a .343 percent clip. Tietz added 14 kills and a .480 percent attack percentage. Decker finished with 39 assists on the night. Katie Reitsma helped the Cougar defense hold the Knights to a .102 attack percentage with 20 digs. Ekness added ten digs to earn a double-double.