Box Score Box Score

The fourth-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth made quick work of Augustana College on Saturday afternoon, defeating its Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference rival in straight sets in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Bulldogs (22-2, 12-2 NSIC) faced a tough challenge for the second straight night as the two teams traded points the first set before scoring seven of the final nine points to win 25-19. Augustana (17-5, 9-5 NSIC) scared UMD with a late comeback in the second, but the Bulldogs escaped with a 27-25 win. The teams traded three-point runs in the third set, but the Bulldogs had more in the tank as they made it a clean sweep with another 25-19 win.

Senior outside hitter Kate Lange dropped in a pair of solo blocks to bring her to 96 for her career. UMD's all-time kills leader smacked 18 on the match while also hauling in eight digs. Junior right-side hitter Maddy Siroin hit .480 while collecting 13 kills of her own. Junior outside hitter Katie Ledwell also added a double-double with 11 kills and 17 digs. UMD attacked at a .341 percent clip.

Sophomore setter Ashley Hinsch raked in 45 assists while also making a trio of kills on three attacks. Defensively, the Bulldogs collected six blocks while holding Augustana to a .223 kill percentage. Junior libero Julie Rainey led the way with 24 digs.

The Bulldogs will return to their home court next weekend for a pair of NSIC matches as they challenge the University of Sioux Falls on Friday evening and play host to No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday afternoon. Friday's match is set for a 7:00 p.m. opening serve with UMD taking on the Mustangs at 4:00 p.m. Saturday.