MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -  The University of Dubuque volleyball team competed in a well fought five set battle this afternoon where they ultimately would end up falling in defeat to the St. Olaf College Oles 2-3 by the scores of 18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 27-25, 11-15.

The Oles would jump out to a quick first set win before the Spartans answered to even the match in the second set. The Oles took the third set, and the Spartans would take a competitive fourth set. The fifth set went back and forth, but in the end the Oles would hold on for the victory. The Spartans were led by Darby Hawtrey with 17 kills. Emma Powell followed with 11 kills and Julie May had 8. Kaylynn led the way for the Spartans with 24 assists and Kate Messino added 10.

In the final match of the night, UD would lose to host Augsburg University by a final of 0-3. The Spartans lost in set scores: 17-25, 23-25, 16-25. Julie May led UD in kills with nine and Emma Powell had seven. Katie Wright led with three service aces and led in defensive digs with 10. Kate Messino found the open hitter for 22 assists and Abby Smith earned three blocks. UD's Julie May was named to the Tournament All-Tourney Team for the Spartans.

"This weekend was about more than wins and losses," commented head coach April Elsbernd. "We came up to the cities to play some of the top teams in our region so we could grow and prepare for conference. We definitely learned a lot and didn't back down, competing against some very good programs. I'm looking forward to see if playing these tough matches pay off for us deeper into our season."

UD prepares for a matchup with cross town rival Loras next Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m.