The University of Minnesota Duluth continued its undefeated start to the 2016 season on Saturday night, defeating Minot State University in three straight sets.

UMD is now the only team in Division II that has not suffered a loss - the University of Nebraska, Kearney suffered its first defeat on Friday night. The Bulldogs also remain unbeaten all time against Minot State, moving to 7-0 with the victory.

Sophomore outside hitter Sarah Kelly dominated offensively for the second straight night, recording a team-leading 12 kills while setting a career best .857 attack percentage. Kelly has racked up 12 or more kills in five consecutive games, hitting .438 in that span. Junior middle blocker Allison Olley turned in a standout performance by tallying 10 kills on 13 attacks - good for a .692 hitting percentage. Olley may have put together one of her best weekends of the year as well by downing 21 kills and committing just three errors. UMD was impressive on the nets, blocking 10 Minot State attacks, including four a piece from Kelly and Olley. Freshman middle hitter Shelby Spuller led the way for the Beavers, grabbing 11 kills on the match.

After a closely fought first set victory, UMD was dominant in its second set victory. Minot State held close to a score of 17-12, but the Bulldogs pulled away by running off eight straight points to take a 2-0 lead in the match. Sophomore outside hitter Makenzie Morgen spiked down three kills in the last eight points before ending with eight on the night.

The Bulldogs propelled past Minot State in the third set thanks to their best offensive performance by recording 14 kills on 20 attacks for a .550 attack percentage. UMD jumped out to a 15-9 lead, but Minot State battled back by taking four of the next five and draw within three. The teams traded points for the remainder of the set, resulting in a 25-18 victory for the top-ranked Bulldogs.

The University of Minnesota Duluth will take the court for a pair of home games next weekend, beginning with No. 14 Northern State University on Friday night at Romano Gymnasium.