On the second day of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play, University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball ended the weekend undefeated with another 3-0 sweep over the Minot State University Beavers.

How It Happened

UMD got off to a hot start in the first set, opening up the scoring off a service error from MSU. Junior outside hitter Payton Addink would lead the charge to a streak of nine consecutive points with two service aces, escorting the Bulldogs to an early lead of 13-4. An extra MSU attack error and a set one hitting percentage of .027 would be the downfall for the Beavers, who would give up 5 straight points to end the set 25-11.

The Bulldogs would give up the first two points of the second set on two consecutive attack errors, but would be able to bounce back with two points of their own to tie it up early. Two service aces from freshman outside hitter Paige Decker would help the Dogs collect six consecutive points towards the middle of the game. This extra lead created enough of a cushion for the Dogs to trade points somewhat back and forth with the Beavers throughout the rest of the set, ending in a 25-18 UMD win.

Despite giving up the first point in the third set, UMD would respond with two points for every one scored by MSU. This would put their lead at an early 6-4 before the Dogs would string together a five kill run, highlighted by two kills from senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka in her overall dominant performance throughout the day. After another quick three point string of points from UMD, the two teams would continue to trade blows throughout the afternoon but would eventually result in a game ending service ace from junior defensive specialist Emma Kujawa and a 25-16 UMD win.

Highlights

Cianna Selbitschka would top the afternoon kill charts with 17 throughout all three sets. Graduate student setter Madison Gordon put up more than double the assists compared to the next highest player, ending the match with 37 total. Senior defensive specialist Kaylyn Madison was able to collect 23 kills, while a three way tie for two service aces would be split between Emma Kujawa, Paige Decker, and Payton Addink.

Up Next

UMD volleyball returns home with a 2-0 start to their regular season, and looks to face Northern State University and Minnesota State University Moorhead in their first homestand at Romano Gym.