The University of Minnesota Duluth continued its red-hot start to the season, grabbing a win over the University of Minnesota Crookston in three straight sets in the first conference match of 2016. 

With the victory, No. 3 UMD (9-0, 1-0 NSIC) extends its winning streak to nine games, their longest streak to start a season since 2013. By sweeping the Golden Eagles (4-5, 0-1 NSIC), the Bulldogs have now won 19 consecutive sets dating back to a Sept. 3 battle with Ferris State University, which is their longest set streak since October of 2014. UMD continues to succeed despite not having a standout player in the box score, as three Bulldogs tied for the team lead with eight kills. The Golden Eagles hit just .090 on the match, highlighting another great defensive performance by UMD, who entered this game fourth in Division II in opponent hitting percentage (.079). Sophomore libero Erin Schindler and junior defensive specialist Kelly Madison led the Bulldogs defensively by recording 13 and seven digs, respectively.

After a 5-5 start to the opening set, UMD began to take control by forcing Crookston to take a timeout to end a four-point run. The Bulldogs would not look back after that, as they gradually extended their lead before winning the first set by a score of 25-14. Sophomore outside hitter Makenzie Morgen led UMD's offense by grabbing five first set kills and Kelly was able to rack up six of her seven total digs. The Bulldogs easily handled Crookston in the second set, jumping out to a quick 6-1 lead and not allowing UMC within five points the rest of the way. UMD saved their best set for last, combining to hit .478 while holding the Golden Eagles to just .069. Freshman setter Emily Torve assisted 12 times in the final frame, guiding the balanced Bulldog offense to a 25-15 victory.

UMD has now defeated Minnesota Crookston all 24 times the two have battled - the most wins without a loss of any matchup in program history. The Bulldogs will return to Duluth to make their 2016 home debut on Saturday (Sept. 17) as they host Bemidji State University at 4 p.m.