MINOT, N.D. -- The MSUM volleyball team stormed into the Minot State Dome on Thursday looking for a win. With a balanced offensive performance, the Dragons were able to get a clean sweep over Minot State this evening. 

The match began with a trading of side outs with the first six points being decided by the infraction. As the Dragons settled in, Bridget Witzmann began to propel the Dragon offense with six kills in the first set. With Emily Skalicky's 11 assists, MSUM was able to take the first set 25-18.

Both teams traded jabs in the beginning of the second set, before the Dragon offense exploded. As Witzmann continued to attack the Minot State defense, Tori Thompson notched six kills of her own in the set. MSUM took a big 25-11 second set victory into the third.

A potential deciding third set ensued with the Dragons starting slow on both sides of the net. Minot State was able to strike quickly and grab an early 6-1 lead. MSUM was able to claw back into the match and knot it up at eight apiece. Two crucial kills by Jadyn Feist midway through the set gave the Dragons a little breathing room. However, the Beavers would not go away without a little fight and the set became neck-and-neck down the stretch. 

And then Bridget Witzmann stepped behind the serving line. The junior rattled off a 7-0 run for the Dragons which included four service aces. By match's end, Witzmann had tallied 14 kills and five service aces. In the end, the Dragons captured the sweep with a 25-21 third set win. 

Abby Thompson and Elise Bakke each nabbed seven kills on the evening while Emily Skalicky finished with 30 assists. Junior Brooke Walthall converted two crucial service aces and added 10 digs as well.

Dragon Bites

• MSUM played a clean game on the offensive end tonight. They finished the match with 11 attack errors (20 overall) compared to Minot State's 20 attack errors (32 overall).
• With 14 kills tonight, Bridget Witzmann has had 11 games with 10 or more kills this season.
• MSUM's .271 hitting percentage is their third best mark on the season (South Dakota Mines .293/Truman State .287) and their best in NSIC play to this point.

Bob Jones and company are now 3-11 in NSIC play and 6-16 overall this season.

The Dragons are back in action on Saturday as they welcome the University of Mary to Nemzek at 2 p.m.