The top-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth defeated Bemidji State University in straight sets, dominating in its first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference road test of the season.

No. 1 UMD (9-1, 2-0 NSIC) looked stronger at the start of the match than it did at any point during Thursday's NSIC opener, taking down Bemidj State (2-9, 0-2 NSIC) 25-13 in the opening frame, and 25-11 in both the second and third games. Compared to two days prior, the Bulldogs hit nearly 150 percentage points better, .364 compared to .223 as a team.  Conversely, Bemidji State could not get out of its own way offensively, hitting .000 with 22 kills and 22 errors, including 11 in a -.187 hitting second game. That stat meant UMD played strong defense as well, with seniors Monica Turner and Mariah Scharf and junior middle blocker Sydnie Mauch each collecting a pair of blocks. First-year libero Erin Schindler hauled in 11 digs while junior defensive specialist Teal Tomaszewski added nine.

Senior setter Ashley Hinsch spread the ball around offensively as well, collecting 32 assists. First year right-side hitter Sarah Kelly falling just short of the team's single-match hitting record of .929, knocking down seven kills on eight swings without an error (.875). Mauch led the way with 12 kills while Scharf added nine on the left side. Bemidji State had five kills each from three different players while setter Ashley Kiecker had 18 assists. The Beavers had just 24 digs total, led by Kayla DeJong's seven.

OUTSIDE HITS
UMD runs its record to 89-3 all-time against Bemidji State ... with four kills Saturday, Turner moved within 39 of 1,000 for her career (961).

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will return home once more on Tuesday night before an extended road trip in the NSIC. UMD plays host to St. Cloud State University with opening serve set for 7:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast locally on My9 Sports Network.