Fifth-ranked Minnesota Duluth hit a scorching .387 with 48 kills and just 12 attack errors to take down Wayne State College 25-14, 25-13, 25-18 in Northern Sun Conference volleyball Saturday afternoon in Duluth, Minn.
The host Bulldogs came out swinging in the first set, recording 19 kills and just one attack error for a .667 attack percentage to take the opening set, then forced Wayne State into 10 attack errors in the second set to take the 2-0 advantage.
Wayne State came out strong in the third set and held the lead most of the way, but a late surge by the host Bulldogs allowed them to come back. The Wildcats built a 16-12 lead against the Bulldogs, but Duluth rallied with nine straight points to take a 21-16 lead and went on to finish the three-game sweep.
Wayne State was held to a .049 attack percentage with 26 kills, 21 errors and 102 attacks while Duluth hit a sizzling .387 with 48 kills and just 12 errors on 93 attacks. The Wildcats held a 7-5 edge in blocks over the Bulldogs.
Alyssa Ballenger led Wayne State in kills with seven followed by Jaci Brahmer with five. Tarrin Beller had five blocks with senior setter Megan Gebhardt credited with 21 set assists. Maddie Duffy recorded eight digs.
The Wildcats (13-5, 5-4 NSIC) will be at home next weekend, hosting Bemidji State Friday at 6 p.m. and Minnesota Crookston Saturday in a 1 p.m. contest.
