What a difference 26 days make.

The No. 25 University of Minnesota Duluth didn't need five sets this go-around versus Bemidji State University.

The Bulldogs captured a much-needed Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference victory Tuesday night at Romano Gymnasium winning in straight sets (25-17, 25-10, 25-16) over the Beavers. UMD (11-8, 4-7 NSIC) claimed its second straight win -- and sweep -- as it took down the Beavers (5-12, 0-9 NSIC) for the 38th consecutive time.

The home win was the first of the season in six tries as it was the first victory at Romano in 351 days (University of Sioux Falls on Nov. 3, 2023).

Coming off a sweep last Saturday against the University of Minnesota Crookston, the Bulldogs vamped up the intensity and the effort to put forth an 'A' game. UMD romped to the tune of 34 kills on a .333 hitting percentage, the highest clip in the last 12 matches and the highest clip in conference action to date. The Bulldogs dominated at the net (8-1 block advantage) and at the service line (10-3 aces) as it trailed for only five points the entire match. The Beavers kicked off the third set with a 3-0 start and lead 5-4, but never led afterwards or later in any set throughout the night.

The sheer superiority pointed towards the side-out percentage. UMD sided out at an astounding .777 rate in the match including a perfect 10-for-10 in the second frame as it allowed just 10 Beaver points, the lowest point total in a set allowed by UMD this season against an NSIC opponent. On the other side, Bemidji State went 33-for-73 (.452) as it struggled defending the serve and executing its own offense. The Beavers hit a mere .089 on the night as the Bulldogs held their opponent under 10-percent hitting percentage for a second straight match.

Overall, it was as efficient as you could get.

For a second consecutive outing, senior right side hitter Samantha Paulsen garnered much of the action offensively, leading the team with 10 kills on a highly-effective 18 swings on just one hitting error. Sophomore right side hitter Madeline Guetzkow provided her own efficiency. She hit a match-high .667, slamming home seven kills on nine attempts. Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Mary Satori cashed in with five kills, a new season high. 

UMD rattled off 10 aces against Bemidji State for the second time this season as it swept the season series. Freshman middle blocker Elyse Karrels showed her versatility as a server tonight. The Port Washington, Wis., native asserted her blocking skills in her debut against the Golden Eagles on Saturday. Tonight, she confused the reception game of the Beavers, collecting a match-leading four aces including three in the lopsided second frame. She wasn't the only Bulldog, however, as senior outside hitter Payton Addink had magic up her sleeve as well, registering three aces, a career high mark for the Sun Prairie, Wis., native.

Senior setter Maddi Kealy led the team with 16 assists. Paulsen was one of three Bulldogs with at least three blocks. The Chisago Lakes, Minn., native compiled a match-high five blocks including the lone solo rejection. Graduate libero Kaylyn Madison did her part on the defensive end as she moved into seventh all-time on the UMD digs charts. The Eagan, Minn., native posted 14 digs, leading all players, en route to passing Julie Bubar (1,443 digs; 1990-93) with 1,444 collegiate digs. 

The Bulldogs hit the road once again for a pair of NSIC matches this upcoming weekend. UMD takes on Minnesota State University, Moorhead on Friday at the Alex Nemzek Hall starting at 6:00 p.m.