The #7 ranked University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team hit their first obstacle of the season, losing a three set match to Central Washington University on day two of the Up North Tournament in Romano Gym.

The first set of the night started off quick. A service ace from senior outside hitter Cianna Selbitschka highlighted a string of 5 consecutive points to put the Bulldogs up 5-2. UMD would hold a slight lead over the CWU for most of the set, trading back and forth points before a back to back service error and service ace would tie up the score at 15-15. A group of three Wildcat kills and Bulldog attack errors would eventually propel Central Washington to come out on top after the first set, with a score of 18-25.

UMD would start things off strong in the second set, holding a one point lead over CWU before a couple of attack errors tied up the game at 7-7. Despite a collection of impressive blocks from junior middle blocker Samantha Paulsen, the Bulldogs would struggle to string things together offensively. Two of the Wildcat's three service aces would come in the last fourteen points of the set to end things again with a score of 18-25.

The Bulldogs would refuse to go down without a fight in set three, keeping things tied at 8-8 thanks to a block by fifth year middle blocker Hope Schjenken and freshman right side Madeline Guetzkow. UMD would ultimately start to lose control of the game, leading to a late series of four points by CWU and a game ending service error to close out the final set 17-25.

Despite the outcome of the match overall, UMD's players found ways to shine. Cianna Selbitschka finished with a match leading 12 kills. Senior Madison Gordon would end things with 25 assists, and last week's NSIC defensive player of the week senior Kaylyn Madison would lead the team with nine digs.

UP NEXT
UMD (5-1) heads into the final day of the Up North Tournament with matchups against Northern Michigan (1-6) and Southern New Hampshire (5-1). The Bulldogs first match in Romano Gym tomorrow is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m.