UMD Bulldogs take on the Winona Warriors in a Fierce Volleyball Matchup

The UMD Bulldogs won their Friday night match against the Winona Warriors in a three set sweep. Photo Credit: Zada L. Cardinal

The University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD) volleyball team put on a show Friday night against the Warriors, sweeping the Winona team in a three-set match. This places the Bulldogs at an 18-10 record for the season, including the games in St. Paul over the weekend. The starters for Friday’s match included Mollie Rupp, Paige Decker, Ava Jones, Xada Johnson, Kylie Broten and Madeline Guetzkow, with Madison Reed on the court as Libero.

With most of the Romano gymnasium filled with spectators of all ages, UMD's school spirit was alive and well as the game got underway. The first set began with a strong start, with Xada Johnson going on a serving run within the first few minutes of the match. In return, Winona presented a strong offense with fierce front row attacks, leading to multiple intense rallies between the two teams. The UMD side eventually prevailed, winning the first set 25-23.

The UMD back row receives the ball from the opposing side to set up their next attack on the Winona Warriors. Photo Credit: Zada L. Cardinal

Winona started off the second set by taking the first three points before the Bulldogs retook control of the game. From then onwards, control of the volleyball continued to transfer between teams every few serves. Unforced errors and brilliant plays marched the set forward until the Bulldogs and Warriors reached the set point, with UMD victorious with a 25-23 score.

The third set started hesitantly with each team exchanging serves and strong attacks from their respective front rows, and eventually settling into a rhythm. Except for UMD’s Head Coach Jim Boos challenging a call with the score at 7-5 Bulldogs, the set continued at a deliberate pace with the Bulldogs earning each point along the way. In the same fashion, UMD reached the match point and quickly won the rally, ending the game with a score of 25-16.

The game was briefly paused with the score at 9-9 in the first set when #4 Mollie Rupp suffered an ankle injury while she was up at the net. Rupp remained with the athletic trainer for most of the game, only returning to the bench during the third set sporting a boot.

Madison Reed serves the ball into play as the UMD bench looks on. Photo Credit: Zada L. Cardinal