UMD knocked off in opening round of NCAA II playoffs

The University of Minnesota Duluth volleyball team’s 2016 campaign came to an end Thursday night after Winona State University defeated the Bulldogs in four sets in the opening round of the National Collegiate Athletic Association II playoffs.

After taking the first set 25-21, the Bulldogs were unable to continue the trend of the first set and find an answer for the Warriors offensive assault.

“(We are) disappointed,” said head coach Jim Boos. “We didn't play as well as we had much of the year in big matches and Winona played extremely confidently and aggressively.”

UMD finished the season 25-5 after winning their first 21 matches. The Bulldogs 21-match win streak featured a run of 28 straight set wins and the nation's top rank for four weeks.

“Given our inexperience and youth, the season was an overall success.  We had a bunch of big wins and several tough losses. (We) didn't get swept all year,” Boos said. “I still believe we were one of the better teams in Division II this year but our regional alignment meant we had to face the No. 6 nationally ranked team in the first round of the NCAA playoffs. It was a tough match.”

Photo by Dave Harwig