The #11 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team struggled to capitalize on their two previous wins this week, falling to #8 Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU) Mustangs today in a four set Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) battle. 

Set One: UMD (25) - SMSU (15)

Despite giving up the first two points of the afternoon, UMD would take back two points of their own and string together a run of four consecutive points to create an early lead for themselves. UMD would continue to match the points of the Mustangs throughout the set, aided by nine attack errors and two service errors from the side of SMSU. Two of those attack errors would cap off the end of the first set, ending in a Bulldogs victory of 25-15. 

Set Two: UMD (18) - SMSU (25)

UMD would run into their own attack error problems throughout the course of the second set, giving up the first point of the set with an error and tallying up 10 errors total. Despite a few strings of three points, they would fail to match the points of SMSU and fall in the second set of the day 18-25.

Set Three: UMD (22) - SMSU (25)

UMD would start off set three strong, taking the first two points of the set for themselves. However, the Bulldogs would yet again fall behind dues to another eight attack errors throughout the set. Despite their efforts to claw back and tie the game, a string of three consecutive kills would sway the set in the favor of SMSU and end with a score of 22-25.

Set Four: UMD (17) - SMSU (25)

With the first two points of the final set yet again going to the side of SMSU, UMD would be able to respond and match their opponents offense and keep the score within two towards the middle of the set. Despite seeming to solve their attack error woes, a string of 7 unanswered points from the side would prove to create too much of a hill for the Bulldogs to overcome. The Bulldogs would struggle to put together an extended string of points for themselves, and ultimately fall in the final set 17-25.

Top Performers

However tough the matchup seems to be, players always find ways to standout. Senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka shined while dropping another double double performance, tying for the most kills with 11 while also tallying 14 digs. Graduate student setter Madison Gordon would also put together a double double performance, leading the match with 39 assists while collecting 12 total digs.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will take a short trip to St. Cloud State next weekend before returning home to Romano Gymnasium for a matchup with the University of Minnesota Crookston.