DULUTH, Minn. – After taking the first set of the match, #9 Winona State (12-2, 3-2 NSIC) was unable to compete the upset at #2 Minnesota Duluth (13-0, 5-0 NSIC) falling 3-1. The Bulldogs stepped up their defense and picked up the 24-26, 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 win.
 
Winona State scored the first three points of the first set but the Bulldogs made sure they did not go quietly. Minnesota Duluth pulled in front and led 16-13 midway through the set. The Warriors tied the set at 18 but could not take lead immediately. Duluth had a set point at 24-22 before a kill from Maria Fruechte and an ace from McKenna Larsen kept Winona State alive. Another ace from Larsen gave the Warriors a lead and after a UMD timeout a ball handling error gave the Warriors a 26-24 set one victory.
 
The second set was back and forth and neither team led by more than three points after UMD grabbed an early 5-2 lead. With the score knotted at 17, UMD scored three straight points and Winona State never recovered. The Bulldogs would go on to win the set 25-20.
 
Minnesota Duluth came out well in the third set, taking a 13-7 lead midway through the set. The Warriors could never recuperate and fell 25-17.
 
The Warriors started quickly in the fourth set and led 8-4 out of the gate. UMD would respond to score six straight to take the lead at 11-9. Another six point run later in the set would help them ice the victory as they won set four 25-20.
 
QUICK HITS:

• Danielle Rampart and Maria Fruechte each had 13 kills to lead the offense.
• Rampart finished with a double-double after collecting 12 digs.
• McKenna Larsen had 49 assists in the four sets.
• Jamie Cairncross would tally 26 digs on the afternoon.
• Taylor Goar was held to .024 hitting but still finished with 12 kills.
• Lauren Kudronowicz and Maria Wrage each had two solo blocks.