DAYTON, OHIO – The North Dakota State volleyball team fell short against Ohio, 3-1, at the Dayton Flyer Classic on Saturday morning at Frericks Center.

Alexis Boling paced NDSU (4-2) with a team-high 14 kills, while Morgan Middleton added in 11 kills with a .296 hitting percentage. Kelley Johnson contributed a team-best 33 assists with eight digs and Logan O'Brien notched a team-high 14 digs on the defensive end.

NDSU quickly jumped out to a 10-5 lead in the opening set following an ace from Arianna Blohm to force an Ohio timeout. The Bison then put together four straight points to stretch their advantage to 16-7 following a kill from Ali Hinze. NDSU held off a late surge to win the first set, 25-23.

The Bobcats answered back in the second set building a 13-5 advantage by the midway point. The Bison attempted to get a late rally started trimming the deficit down to 22-15 after a kill from Ally Barth. However, Ohio went on to close out the set, 25-17.

Both teams battled through the third frame that saw six ties and four lead changes. After both teams found themselves locked, 15-15, Ohio was able to open up a 19-16 edge after a kill from Caitlin O'Farrell. The Bobcats then put the set out of reach following back-to-back kills from Caroline Clippard to make the score 23-19. Ohio won the third frame, 25-20.

The two teams continued to exchange points in the fourth set that featured 11 ties and five lead changes. The Bison were able to lock the set, 19-19, after Ava Schmoll connected on a service ace. The Bobcats responded with a momentum shifting 3-1 run to regain the lead, 22-20. NDSU wasn't able to cut the deficit down any further and dropped the set, 25-21, and the match, 3-1.

NDSU will make their home debut hosting Portland State on Friday. First serve is set for 12:00 p.m., at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.