The Peacock volleyball team dropped a three-set decision at the No. 7 University of Minnesota Duluth on Saturday. Upper Iowa dropped a 25-17 decision in set one, but lost hard fought 25-23 decisions in sets two and three to fall to 14-8 on the year and 7-7 in the Northern Sun. UMD improved to 19-4 overall and 12-2 in the conference.

Anna Winter led UIU's offense with 17 kills and no errors; the junior hit .548 on her 31 swings. Upper Iowa converted 40 kills on the evening to hit .259. Malissa LeClaire handed out 31 assists. Haley Weepie dug up 14 balls, while Gabby Holmes added 11 digs.

UIU and UMD were tied 13-13 in the first set, but the Bulldogs outscored the Peacocks 12-4 to close out the first set. In the second frame, UIU took a 17-14 lead, but the Bulldogs rallied with three straight to tie the set at 17-17. The teams exchanged points and were still tied at 23-23, but the Bulldogs scored the final two points to win 25-23.

In the final set, the Bulldogs led 17-11, but Upper Iowa began to slim the margin. UIU trailed 24-19 late, but pulled within one thanks to a four-point run highlighted by a pair of Lauren Wombles kills. After pulling within one, 24-23, UMD got the match-winning kill to seal the vicotry 3-0.

Upper Iowa will host Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota Crookston next Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20.