DULUTH, Minn. – The seventh-ranked University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team wrapped up the Up North Tournament on Saturday at the Romano Gymnasium by defeating both Northern Michigan University and Southern New Hampshire University to finish 3-1 in its home tournament.
Match 1: #7 UMD 3, NMU 0
The Bulldogs began day three of their own tournament by sweeping the Wildcats (1-7).
After giving up the opening point of the set, UMD rattled off five straight points with a kill from
Samantha Paulsen and a service ace from
Cianna Selbitschka. A kill by Paulsen extended the first set lead to 16-10, before Northern Michigan climbed back into the cut the margin to three at 18-15. The Bulldogs were able to hold off the Wildcats and take the opening set after a
Madison Gordon kill 25-21.
Minnesota Duluth got off to another good start in the second set leading 5-2 thanks to three
Paige Decker kills. The Bulldogs cruised through the second set winning 25-11. UMD had 12 kills and no hitting errors in the set.
It was the same story in the third as the Bulldogs led 6-1 following a
Hope Schjenken kill. However, the Wildcats clawed back and tied the set 18-18, before Minnesota Duluth rattled off the final seven points off Selbitschka's serve to take the set and the match 25-19.
Paulsen led the Bulldogs with 13 kills and added four blocks. Schjenken had nine kills. Gordon recorded 34 assists and
Kaylyn Madison finished with a team-high 16 digs.
Kylie Broten added four blocks for UMD.
Match 2: #7 UMD 3, Southern New Hampshire 1
The nightcap at the final match of the Up North Tournament saw a tight match go the way of UMD in four sets over the Penmen (5-3).
The teams exchanged the lead for much of the first set, but the Bulldogs would take a 24-21 lead late. However, Southern New Hampshire fought off three set points by scoring six straight points to take the set 26-24.
The Bulldogs bounced right back in the second set, taking the first five points of the set off Gordon's serve. UMD quickly tied the match at a set apiece taking the second set 25-11.
The third set saw Minnesota Duluth use a 7-0 run to take a 9-2 lead. The Penmen got back within two on a couple of occasions, but the Bulldogs once again opened a 24-16 lead. After fighting off five more set points, a Gordon kill gave UMD the third set 25-21.
Minnesota Duluth trailed 13-9 in the fourth set, until six straight Bulldog points off
Emma Kujawa's serve gave UMD a 15-13 advantage. UMD led 23-21, Southern New Hampshire scored the next three points to earn a set point. This time it was the Bulldogs that came though on a Decker kill to tie it 24-24.
The fourth set went to "overtime" with the Penmen fighting off two match points and the Bulldogs another set point. It wasn't until a Selbitschka kill, followed by two Southern New Hampshire errors gave the Bulldogs the match 29-27.
Selbitschka matched a season-high with 19 kills, followed by Schjenken's 13 kills and Paulsen's 12 kills. Selbitschka had a double-double by adding 12 digs. Speaking of double-doubles, Gordon also recorded one with a season-high 54 assists and 10 digs. Madison led the team with 23 digs. Schjenken had a season-high six blocks.
All-Tournament Team
Gordon and Paulsen were each named to the Up North All-Tournament team for their efforts over the last three days. The All-Tournament Team is below.
Tia Andaya - S/OH (CWU)
Scottie Ellsworth - OH (CWU)
Hannah Stires - DS/L (CWU)
Madison Gordon - S (UMD)
Samantha Paulsen - RS/MB (UMD)
Kenzie Foley - OH (SCSU)
Shelby Kimm - OH/RS (SCSU)
Lindy Oujiri - OH (MTU)
Ana Pimenta - OH (SNHU)
Meghan Meyer - MB (NMU)
Up Next
The Bulldogs (7-1) begin Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) action next Friday at the University of Mary (N.D.). Action is slated to begin at 6 p.m.
