DECORAH, Iowa — Luther (5-15, 0-3 A-R-C) took the opening set from the no. 23 nationally ranked University of Dubuque (18-2, 3-0 A-R-C) 25-20. Then the Spartans won the next three sets (16-25, 18-25, 22-25) to stay unbeaten in conference play. 

In the first set, the Norse jumped out to a 10-3 start highlighted by kills from Ruby Gerhard, Julianne Lundvall and Annika Franzen forced the Spartans to take a timeout. Luther kept up the offensive pressure throughout the set but Dubuque rallied late narrowing the gap to 23-20. The Norse were able to close out the first set with a kill from Natalie Crandall to edge the Spartans 25-20. Luther hit .268 in the first set. 

Dubuque won the next three sets. The fourth set had three lead changes and the score was tied five times as Luther was trying to force a fifth set. Franzen's kill pulled the Norse within two (20-22) but the Spartans went on a 4-2 run to win the match in four sets. 

Leading Luther offense was Gerhard with 11 kills followed by Lindsay Hanson (10) and Franzen (9). Lundvall and Crandall each had four blocks. Azaria McDonough recorded a double-double with 25 assists and 15 digs. It also marked her fifth straight match with a double-double. 

The Norse head on a five game road trip beginning in Dubuque, Iowa to take on Loras on Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.