Backed by 14 kills from three-time AVCA All-American and 2006 AVCA Division II Co-Player of the Year Vicky Braegelmann, the No 4-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team overcame a sluggish first game to defeat Ferris State University in three games (30-28, 30-21, 30-15) on Friday night at Romano Gymnasium.

Aside from Braegelmann, the Bulldogs’ offense saw contributions from sophomore middle blocker Sarah Wyffels (11 kills) and junior middle blocker Lindsey Clairmont (10 kills). Senior outside hitter Kari Wolford chipped in nine kills against Ferris State.

Junior setter Katie Gangelhoff paced UMD with 39 assists while tallying six digs in the contest.

Defensively, UMD was led by senior defensive specialist Crystal Hoffrogge’s 13 digs. Senior outside hitter Danielle Beckstrand notched eight digs in the match as did junior defensive specialist Rachel Jacobson.

The Bulldogs (10-1) will take to the court on Saturday afternoon to face West Texas A&M University in the final match of the UMD Classic tournament. The opening serve is set for 4:30 p.m.

The match carries extra importance for Wolford, as she is just five kills short of 1,000 for her career, which she hopes to achieve against WTAMU.