KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – North Dakota State dropped a 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21) decision to East Tennessee State and then lost 3-0 (25-10, 25-20, 25-10) to the host Volunteers in the Tennessee Classic on Saturday, Sept. 21, before 1,367 fans in Thompson-Boling Arena.
 
The Bison (5-7) are scheduled to open Summit League play on the road at South Dakota State (3-9) and Omaha (7-6) next weekend.
 
Kaela Massey had 18 kills, 14 digs and seven blocks to lead East Tennessee State (9-3) in the tightly contested four-set match. The fourth set was the closest with 13 times and eight lead changes. The Buccaneers outhit NDSU .204 to .115 and held an 11-7 advantage in team blocks. The Bison did have a 7-5 edge in aces.
 
North Dakota State was led by Kalli Hegerle, who had a career-high 13 kills and 15 digs to complete the 'double-double', while Kelley Johnson matched a season best with 28 assists, notched new season-high 16 digs. Syra Tanchin chipped in 11 kills, while Alexis Bachmeier added nine kills and 14 digs.
 
Kaylee Hanger came up with a career-high 27 digs against the Buccaneers, the first 20-plus effort of her career. Hanger earned all-tournament honors after averaging 4.80 digs per set with 12 assists and two aces.
 
Bachmeier continued her hot hand into the Tennessee match and led the Bison with a match-high 16 kills. Johnson handed out 18 assists and Hanger had eight digs. NDSU made things interesting in the second set, which was tied 11 times, before the Volunteers pulled away.
 
Tennessee (6-4) hit .427 led by Tessa Grubbs' 16 kills and directed by Sedona Hansen's 33 assists. The Vols held a 7-2 edge in team blocks led by Ava Bell, Danielle Mahaffey and Alyssa Andreno, who each contributed three blocks. Gianna Pellizzon chipped in 10 digs.