ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Minnesota, Morris (21-11) could not punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament, falling 3-1 to the University of Northwestern (26-8) on Saturday night. The Eagles were able to hold UMM to .126 hitting on the night. Marissa Ekness and Cori Becker combined for 27 of the team's 45 kills.
 
Northwestern blitzed the Cougars in the first set, using a 5-1 run to go up 10-4. Morris never got closer than four as UNW pulled away for a 25-13 win.
 
Minnesota Morris showed some gumption in the second set. Morris held an 8-5 lead early before increasing their lead to seven at 18-11. Northwestern could only manage to get as close as five before UMM picked up the 25-17 victory.
 
The third set was an intense battle with neither team wanting to fall behind 2-1 in the match. Morris trailed 11-7 before they dug in and found a way to tie the set at 14. UNW scored three straight with the set tied at 15 and Morris never fully recovered. The Eagles held on for a 25-22 win.
 
The match moved to the fourth set with Northwestern looking to secure the victory. A 7-4 early lead for UNW disappeared when the Cougars scored three straight to tie it at seven. Morris held a 13-11 advantage but could not pull away and UNW took advantage, going on a 6-1 run. UMM could never get their rhythm back and Northwestern closed out the match with a 25-18 win.
 
Morris finishes the season with 21 victories and a third straight trip on the UMAC Championship. Four Cougars finished the match with at least 13 digs, led by Abby Tietz who had 19.