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NO. 8 BULLDOGS WIN A PAIR, IMPROVE TO 4-0

Saturday, August 30, 2008

The No. 8 University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team continued their winning ways today, as they won two matches at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Mich., improving their overall record to 4-0.

In early morning action, the Bulldogs knocked off Mercyhurst College 3-1 (25-23, 25-12,16-25, 25-17).

Freshman outside hitter Hannah Johnson led the way against the Lakers, as she recorded 13 kills and eight digs, to go along with a game-high .423 hitting percentage.

Senior middle blocker Lindsey Clairmont and freshman middle blocker April Hansen each posted 11 kills, while freshman setter Eleena Iisakka had a season-high 46 set assists, as well as nine digs. Also, junior defensive specialist Rachel Jacobson tallied 15 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Brenda Hansen finished with 14 digs early this morning.

This afternoon, UMD defeated tournament host, Ferris State University 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-18, 25-14).

Clairmont, a captain for the Bulldogs, paced UMD with a team-high 14 kills and an amazing .636 hitting percentage.

Johnson added ten kills, along with A. Hansen and sophomore outside hitter Alyssa Nelson who each had nine kills. Junior middle blocker Sarah Wyffels also posted good numbers as she killed eight balls, dug five and had a .389 hit percentage.

Iisakka again played solid at the setter position, tallying 46 set assists, while adding nine digs. Jacobson led UMD in the dig department with 16, while B. Hansen added 15 in the final match of the tournament.

The Bulldogs, who were the only squad to go undefeated and post four victories at the tournament, landed three players on the All-Tournament Team, including Clairmont, Johnson and Hansen for their stellar efforts throughout the weekend.

UMD will hit the road again next weekend as they are set to travel out west to take part in the Colorado Springs Tournament in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Sept. 5-6.

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