ST. PAUL, Minn. – #6 Winona State (26-5) fell to #1 Concordia-St. Paul (28-2) on Saturday, exiting the NSIC semifinals in straight sets 25-17, 25-24, 25-20. The Warriors were unable to slow down the Golden Bears who hit .345 in the win.
 
The Golden Bears jumped out quickly against the Warriors, scoring the first seven points of the set. The lead grew to eight at 12-4 before Winona State made a mini run. The Warriors cut the deficit to four after a CSP attack error. Unfortunately, Concordia would score the next four points to extend their lead back to eight. Winona State never fully recovered falling 25-17.
 
CSP hit .382 in the first set to gain the 1-0 advantage. Maria Fruechte had three kills and four digs for WSU.
 
Both teams battled back and forth early in the second set but the Warriors found some breathing room to go up 12-9. CSP quickly erased the deficit, tying the set at 12. It would remain tight and the scoreboard read 20-20 late in the set. The Golden Bears won the race to 25, outscoring the Warriors 5-3 in the final moments of the set.
 
The third set was also tight with the two teams deadlocked at 15. However, the Golden Bears would score seven straight points, putting the game on ice before clinching the match with a 25-20 set three victory.
 
Taylor Goar finished the match with 11 kills to lead the team. Maria Wrage added eight and McKenna Larsen finished with seven. Larsen and Goar had double-doubles after finishing with ten and 12 digs defensively.
 
The NCAA selection show will air Monday night at 6:30. Check back with winonastatewarriors.com and follow us on social media for more information on the selection show.

Maria Fruechte was awarded the Elite 18 Award on Saturday- NSIC RELEASE