Box Score

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs showed off their No. 11 national ranking on Saturday, handing the Northern State University Wolves their second straight 3-0 loss with the 25-15, 25-22, 25-8 decision.

With the loss, their third straight, the Wolves slipped to 8-12 on the season and 3-9 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matches, while the Bulldogs claimed their 12th victory in the last 13 matches to move to 18-4 overall and 11-1 in the loop.  UMD's lone conference setback came at the hands of the nation's top-ranked team in Concordia-St. Paul.

The Bulldogs made their mark early, running away with the opening set and holding the Wolves to a negative hitting percentage in the process.  NSU rallied in the second set and, despite never leading, managed to keep within four points throughout the set before falling by three at 25-22.

Following the intermission, however, the Bulldogs hammered home the final nail, sending the Wolves out with a 25-8.

NSU junior Kayla Ysteboe had six kills to lead the way for the Wolves.  Senior Kelsey Aden matched that effort in her return to the court following an injury.  Aden was also in on a team-best three blocks at the net.

UMD's Anna Zyvoloski recorded 11 kills for the Bulldogs, while Hannah Johnson added 10.

The Wolves return home next weekend for the first time in three weeks, hosting top-ranked CSP on Friday and St. Cloud State on Saturday.  Friday's match is slated for a 7 p.m. start, while first serve on Saturday is set for 3 p.m.