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BUFFALO, N.Y. – Andrea Mitrovic connected for 22 kills and hit .390 as the University at Buffalo defeated North Dakota State 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-16) in the final match of the Blue & White Classic played Saturday, Aug. 25, before 312 spectators in Alumni Arena.
 
NDSU (1-2) is scheduled to play No. 4-ranked Minnesota at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, in Minneapolis in the Diet Coke Classic. The Bison will also play Arkansas and Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 1.
 
North Dakota State came out fast and hit .381 in the first set sparked by the play of Alexis Bachmeier, Allie Mauch, Emily Halverson and Kalli Hegerle. The set had seven ties and a pair of lead changes with the Bison going on a 6-2 run to take a 19-14 lead on a Bachmeier tip.
 
However, Buffalo regained control of the net behind Rachel Sanks, Megan Wernette, Polina Prokudina, Kristina Nieves and Mitrovic who gave setter Scout McLerran plenty of options for her 44 assists. The Bulls hit .254 overall compared to .095 for NDSU.
 
Bachmeier and Mauch both had eight kills for North Dakota State, while Hegerle added 27 assists and six kills. Bachmeier earned all-tourament honors after hitting. 254 (24-6-71) with 38 digs, six blocks, five aces and five assists.
 
Bella Lien and Prokudina each had six blocks to lead their teams. Abbi Klos recorded a match-high 14 digs to reach double-figures for the 17^th time in her career, while Paige Schaffer served up a career best three aces.

Blue & White Classic All-Tournament Team
Jaycie Roberts, Niagara
Alexis Bachmeier, NDSU
Caitlin Koska, Seton Hall
Abby Thelen, Seton Hall
Andrea Mitrovic, Buffalo
Megan Wernete, Buffalo
Larra Bickelhaupt, Buffalo - MVP