Box Score Senior outside hitter Kate Lange neared a triple-double as the University of Minnesota Duluth defeated Southwest Minnesota State University in straight sets in the NCAA II Central Regional Semifinals at Romano Gym Saturday.

Lange led all Bulldogs (33-2) with 18 kills and eight blocks while also hauling in nine digs on the night. UMD finished with 10 total blocks on the night and 53 digs, holding Southwest Minnesota to a slim .112 attack percentage. Freshman middle blocker Sydnie Mauch had a second straight strong night with eight kills while assisting on six blocks. Junio libero Julie Rainey led UMD with 23 defensive saves.

Sophomore setter Ashley Hinsch spread the ball around with 39 assists on the night, adding in four digs, a pair of blocks, and two kills on the night. The Bulldogs hit .311 as a squad with five UMD players adding at least five kills. Sophomore outside hitter Mariah Scharf had six kills and also made a career-high five digs.

The Bulldogs will face a familiar opponent once again tomorrow night as they take on Concordia University, St. Paul in the Regional Championship. CU swept second-seed University of Central Missouri at Romano Gym, winning handily 25-20, 25-20, and 25-12. UMD is 2-1 this season against the Golden Bears, defeating them in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship game in straight sets on the road last month as well as at home in the regular season finale in a five-set epic. CU is the six-time defending NCAA II National Champions.

The Central Regional final is set for 7:00 p.m. at Romano Gym.