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NO. 8 UMD OPENS SEASON WITH TWO VICTORIES AT FERRIS STATE INVITATIONAL

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The No. 8 University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team opened up the 2008 season with a bang today, as they earned a pair of victories at the Ferris State Inivtational in Big Rapids, Mich.

Early action saw UMD down Wheeling Jesuit University (W.Va.) 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22).

Freshman outside hitter Hannah Johnson led all Bulldogs with 13 kills.

Senior middle blocker Lindsey Clairmont along with junior middle blocker Sarah Wyffels and sophomore outside hitter Alyssa Nelson all added seven kills, while freshman middle blocker April Hansen tallied five kills.

Junior defensive specialist Rachel Jacobson posted 15 digs, while freshman setter, Eleena Iisakka recorded 43 set assists.

As a team, the Bulldogs totalled 43 kills as well as 15 blocks to go along with a .153 hitting percentage during their afternoon affair.

In the evening clash, UMD earned a convincing win over No. 16 Hillsdale College 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-23).

Wyffels, a captain, guided the Bulldogs with 12 kills and a .454 hit percentage.

Hansen finished with nine kills, while Clairmont and Johnson each posted seven kills. Iisakka paced UMD with 41 set assists, along with Jacobson's 18 digs.

As a club, the Bulldogs ended with 47 kills and a .282 hit percentage to add with eight total blocks on the evening.

UMD is coming off four straight North Central Conference championships and hopes for equal success this fall as they return to the familiar Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

The Bulldogs will be back in action tomorrow morning as they are set to square off with Mercyhurst College at 9:30 a.m. (E.S.T.), followed by an afternoon clash with tournament host, Ferris State University at 12:00 p.m. (E.S.T.).

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