News

VOLLEYBALL BULLDOGS DERAIL NORTHERN STATE SATURDAY

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Kate Lange pounded a match-high 19 kills Saturday at Northern State

Heading into the 2012 season, University of Minnesota Duluth head coach Jim Boos stressed the importance of a grueling October schedule. That tough stretch has now been completed following Saturday's 3-1 win over Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D.

The fifth-ranked Bulldogs used 19 kills from junior All-American Kate Lange and 46 set assists from freshman setter Ashley Hinsch to propel themselves to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory. UMD, which has no remaining weekend road trips, finished the month with a record of 8-1 -- the only hiccup being a five-set defeat at the hands of Augustana College Oct. 12.

After taking the first set on a rare kill by senior defensive specialist Samantha Hertaus (who finished with four digs), the Bulldogs found themselves in a back-and-forth battle in the ensuing game. Trailing 24-20, UMD fought off set point three consecutive times before the Wolves broke the tough serving of Hinsch. The Bulldogs hit their way to a pair of set wins after the break, finishing with a collective 58 kills. Northern State hit just .071 with 38 kills for the match in falling to 14-10 overall and 9-7 in the NSIC.

UMD (23-2; 14-2) hit a collective .197 with four service aces on the afternoon. The Bulldogs dug far more balls (64) than Northern State (42) and combined for nine total blocks. Sophomore right side hitter Maddy Siroin had a solid day with five kills and four total blocks. Sophomore libero Julie Rainey scooped a match-high 20 digs, marking the second straight outing she's reached that barrier.

The Bulldogs return home to Romano Gymnasium on Thursday to protect their undefeated home record against Bemidji State University. UMD will then hit the road for a conference clash at Minnesota Crookston on Saturday.

Return to all news.