Dustin

I think blocking is down, too. Unless I'm thinking of Hardee, I thought being tough defensively to generate offense was the goal with Pryor. We have the tallest lineup we've probably ever had (for sure since I've been watching volleyball - about 7 seasons), so blocking should be up, right? I like this team, but I have a feeling the South teams are going to put us through a tough stretch where we need to learn some stuff.

Up and down first set, but UND prevailed 25-23.

I don't see why not. Even if it isn't official, fans could just add it, much like it was added to "Sioux." Like I mentioned before, Fighting Nodaks seems to be who UND fabs are - we're always fighting with somebody (NCAA, Kelley, Bison fans, amongst ourselves)

I don't think the process itself was botched, but I do wonder what the nickname committee was thinking when advancing certain names and not others.

No.

Score update?

I hope Pryor has something up his sleeve for the fourth set. Maybe insert Amanda Harnett. Give them a look they haven't seen yet.

25-22 set 3 win to take a 2-1 lead.

Very back and forth set 1 with Montana State, with UND eventually dropping 27-25.

I just realized my updates probably were futile as the game was on national television.

Sweep over the Griz. 25-20 in set 3. Denae Dominguez tried out her jump serve tonight with mixed results.

UND up 2-0 after 25-18 win in set 2.

UND takes set 1, 25-23. Came back from at least 3 down.

Took a look at the standings and records. The South looks super competitive this year; the North not so much.

the touchdown drive at the end of the first half was also a key series in my opinion. Nice way to end a half.

I went to my TV listings, and Midco will replay the game on 10/8 at 9am. I couldn't find an earlier time, which is odd. That's a long time to wait for a replay.

Fighting Nodaks seems to describe who we are pretty well. We're always fighting with somebody - the NCAA, the University president, Bison fans, ourselves!

Yes, seems ridiculous. We could add "Fighting" to one of the other names, too. "Sioux" didn't start out with Fighting.

UND had a 21-18 lead, but fell 25-23 in set 3. Disappointing 3-0 loss to start Big Sky play.

EWU takes set 2 as well, 25-17. Young team probably unsure how to handle to the road, it seems.

Following on live stats. EWU takes set 1 25-22.

Nope, not here either.

I like everything you're saying. The only thing I wish were different was that at least NDSU (South Dakota schools I could take or leave) were also in the Big Sky. I too dream of a conference with all of the major state school from the northern plains and northern rockies together.

Not meant to be a slam, more curiosity, but do you have the same feeling about the Illinois Illini, and the Utah Utes?

Of the names that are left (believe me, there are ones that were eliminated that I liked better), Nodaks is my choice for many reasons, none of which has anything to do with my support of the hockey team (I am a season ticket holder for football and volleyball, attend a few basketball games, and watch every televised hockey game). I was in support of retiring the name back in 2008-09 timeframe when UND was looking for a conference. I voted with the 2/3 majority in 2012 to reverse the legislature's state law. My point is that it's not just the hockey-only crowd that is showing support.