Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Drops Match 3-0 Against Minnesota
3/26/2021 6:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern battled hard but dropped its first match against No. 4 Minnesota in three sets.
Sophomore Tatyana Hardwick put out a career performance on her first career start against Minnesota. She recorded a career high four kills on nine attempts, while contributing four blocks and two digs.
However, it was fellow sophomore Temi Thomas-Ailara that led the offensive effort. She led the team with nine kills in addition to two blocks. Sophomore Abryanna Cannon followed with six kills while senior Nia Robinson and first-year Alexa Rousseau posted five apiece. Cannon also led the team with six digs.
After several weeks the 'Cats finally returned to the court and they came out of the gates with a lot of energy, putting up 37 total attacks. However, the Wildcats were out of system and were unable to finish on their attacks. They fell in the first set, 25-14.
The Wildcats fought hard and tied it up several times in the second set, but ultimately dropped the set, 25-21. Both Northwestern and Minnesota posted 13 kills and three blocks apiece. The 'Cats were also able to beat out the Gophers are the service line, but Minnesota was able to take control at the finish.
Northwestern took a four-point lead early in the final set forcing a Minnesota timeout. The Gophers returned to the court refreshed and regained the lead. Thomas-Ailara put up a fight and tried to make a comeback with some strong kills, but the Gophers were able to hold her off. Minnesota took home the final set 25-14.
The Wildcats will be back in Welsh-Ryan Arena tomorrow night to face the Gophers one more time at 6 p.m.
