Volleyball - News

NO. 12 UMD GETS BY MAVERICKS, SET FOR TITLE MATCH

Saturday, September 13, 2008

With their sights set on defending their title from a year ago, the No. 12-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team used an entire team effort to knock of Minnesota State University-Mankato 3-1 (25-13, 18-25, 25-23, 25-21) Saturday afternoon in front of 357 faithful fans at Romano Gymnasium.

The UMD victory, which was their third on their home floor, kept the Bulldogs (9-2) perfect at this weekend's Kraus Anderson Volleyball Classic and set the table for this evening.

This evening, the Bulldogs will get the opportunity to defend their crown they captured a year ago, when they collide with No. 9 Western Washington University (7-0) at 5:30 p.m., in a premiere match-up of two top-15 programs.

UMD and Western Washington have both disposed of all three of their competitors this weekend and are the two last undefeated teams standing in the field.

Against the Mavericks, UMD used a handful of Bulldogs to lead the attack.

As a team, UMD drilled home 55 kills, while posting 73 digs in the fast-paced affair.

Junior middle blocker Sarah Wyffels has led the Bulldogs in kills during all three of their matches this weekend, as she pounded 15 more  against the Mavericks, while also collecting a .393 hit percentage to go along with three block assists.

Sophomore outside hitter Brenda Hansen also had a stellar afternoon, as she collected ten kills and 16 digs to add to her team-high .435 hit percentage.

Senior middle blocker Lindsey Clairmont chipped in with ten kills and four block assists, while freshman outside hitter Hannah Johnson collected nine kills and 13 digs during the win.

Senior setter Katie Gangelhoff set the tone in the middle of the attack, as she posted 47 set assists and 13 digs, while junior defensive specialist Rachel Jacobson dug 15 balls.

This evening's title-match against Western Washington will be highest ranked opponent the Bulldogs will face so far this season.

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