FORT MYERS, Fla. – After dropping the first two sets, the North Dakota State volleyball team battled back to force a deciding fifth frame before falling short, 3-2, against Illinois Chicago at the Fort Myers Classic at Alico Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Ali Hinze led the way for NDSU (0-3) with a team-best 12 kills to go along with four digs and two service aces. Lauren Jansen also reached double figures with 10 kills and a .250 hitting percentage. Emily Bruss handed out 23 assists and Logan O'Brien contributed 14 digs on the defensive side.

After dropping the first two frames, NDSU fought back in the third set with a .333 hitting percentage as both teams worked through a match-high 18 tie scores. The Bison put together a 4-1 run to steal the momentum after a block by Emma Tallman and Arianna Blohm to make the score 20-18. NDSU went on to hold off UIC (2-0) the rest of the way to steal the set, 26-24.

The Bison carried the energy into the fourth frame notching a match-best .360 hitting percentage. The two teams battled through seven lead changes before NDSU assembled four straight points to regain the lead, 19-16, following a block by Ally Barth and Tallman. The Bison closed out the set, 25-21.

In the fifth and final frame, UIC sprinted out a 9-3 lead after an attack error. The Flames then put the contest out of reach with a 4-0 run to increase the edge to 14-5. UIC went on to win the set, 15-9, and the match, 3-2.

NDSU will make its home debut hosting West Virginia on Friday night. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m., at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.