DULUTH, MINN. - The University of Mary faced the tough task of taking on #2 University of Minnesota Duluth tonight, and there was little the Marauders could do to stop the top team in the Northern Sun as the Bulldogs swept U-Mary in straight sets.
 
The first set was all about the Bulldogs. After jumping out to an early 9-0 lead, the Marauders got on the board thanks to a team block from Allison Adams and Victoria King. Unfortunately that would not slow Minnesota Duluth's attack as they systematically extended their lead to 12-1, 15-2, and 18-3 before cruising to a 25-5 victory.
 
The Marauders stepped up the pace a bit in the second set but were still down 6-3 early. The Bulldogs turned the pressure up and fired off a 9-0 run to put the set out of reach at 15-3, eventually settling in and securing a 25-7 victory.
 
This U-Mary squad, however, has been hardy all year and fought the Bulldogs to a 7-7 tie early in the third set. Minnesota Duluth extended their advantage to 11-7 but the Marauders fought back to narrow the gap 12-9. The Bulldogs kept up their usual production and extended their lead to 16-10 and the U-Mary attack stalled as the gap widened to 19-11. The Marauders got as close as 21-14 but it was too little too late as Minnesota Duluth put the match away at 25-14.
 
Kills were in short supply tonight as Lauren Boldt led the Marauders with four kills on 13 attacks while adding one block assists. Adams was the lone bright spot on defense as she registered four block assists in addition to her two kills and 11 attacks. Janell Finkbeiner and Katelyn Olson split time driving the offense again as Finkbeiner recorded nine assists and three digs while Olson finished with four assists, one solo block and two block assists.
 
The Marauders (3-18, 0-12 NSIC) travel to St. Cloud, Minn., where they'll take on St. Cloud State University in their second matchup of the weekend.