GREEN BAY, Wisc. - The IUPUI volleyball team put up one of its best performances of the season, but ultimately wasn't rewarded as the Jaguars were upended by North Dakota in a five-set thriller. The Jags were strong defensively, collecting 85 digs and nearly handed UND just its third loss of the season. 

The Jags fell behind a set after dropping the opener, 25-18, but rebounded to take the second 25-19 before the break. North Dakota took the third 25-20 before IUPUI (4-9) fended off North Dakota (15-2) in the fourth, 27-25. However, North Dakota rolled out to a quick lead in the fifth before taking the final set, 15-8. 

Senior Kori Waelbroeck had a team-high 20 kills and 12 digs while McKayla Wright added 12 kills and nine digs. Junior Abby Boatman had 10 kills and hit .450 for the night, getting 10 kills in just 20 attempts. 

Waelbroeck was named to the Green Bay Country Inn and Suites Invitational All-Tournament Team, giving her three all-tournament nods this season. 

IUPUI fell behind early in the first set but crept within 16-14 with Waelbroeck at the service line. However, North Dakota scored the next two points to salt away the first. The second was nip-and-tuck up until 16 all before the Jags ripped off a decisive run behind Boatman and Wright's service game. Boatman broke the tie with an ace and then took advantage of a UND error to take a two-point lead. After UND got back within one, the Jags countered with four straight points, keyed by Wright and Waelbroeck kills. 

The third set was highlighted by long runs on both sides, beginning with four straight points to open play by the Jaguars. Maggie Gibson contributed an ace and Haley Hoffman helped the charge with a couple of blocks. North Dakota fired back with five straight to take the lead and things stayed tight until the middle of the set when North Dakota posted an 8-2 run to take control. IUPUI snuck within three at 20-17 but North Dakota sealed the third with four straight points from there. 

Wright had a strong fourth set, beginning by serving three straight points to give the Jags a quick 4-1 lead. Later, she served up another four-point run to give the Jags a 13-11 lead, capped by an ace. At sets end, IUPUI was facing match point, but Wright put home a kill to make it 25 all. IUPUI sent it to five with back-to-back points to win 27-25. 

However, the fifth went the way of North Dakota as the Fighting Hawks built an 8-1 lead early and never looked back. 

Tamara Merseli led UND with 19 kills and Faith Dooley had 18 kills and hit .485 for the match. 

Gibson had 47 digs and a team-high 22 digs and Jessica Helms had 18 digs. Junior Elizabeth Scott also showed well with six kills and 16 digs. 

IUPUI will return home to open Horizon League play on Friday, Sept. 22 when the Jaguars host Wright State at 6:00 p.m. in the Jungle. That match will be broadcast on ESPN3. The match will be followed by a Sunday matchup with Northern Kentucky in the Jungle.