MOORHEAD, Minn. -- The Dragon volleyball team continued to look sharp with another three-set sweep over the University of Mary on Saturday afternoon. 

"Really proud of the Dragons today for the grit and fight on every point against a scrappy Marauders team. That is the type of grit that can take this program to the next level."

- Dragon Head Coach Bob Jones

MSUM began the first set slow with Mary jumping out to a 5-1 lead. However, the Dragons were able to pull even at six early in the set and jump out in front despite the early four-point deficit. Throughout the remainder of the set, both teams traded points leading to a 21 all tie. MSUM was able to capture the set with a close 25-23 win. By set's end the two teams had tied 12 times and there had been six lead changes. 
 
It was the Dragons who started fast in the second set, building an 8-2 lead in the set's early going. A mini 4-0 run with Emily Skalicky serving helped MSUM take full control of the set with a 14-7 advantage. A kill by Abby Thompson and four consecutive kills by Bridget Witzmann gave the Dragons a 25-13 victory in set two.
 
MSUM's third set was commanded by both Abby and Tori Thompson in the early going. Tori Thompson slammed down four kills with Abby Thompson adding two kills of her own. That offensive output helped guide the Dragons to a 17-12 lead at a crucial juncture in the match. From there, an ace from Skalicky and kills from Witzmann and Teeya Doppler sealed the deal for MSUM, as they took the third set 25-18.

Witzmann finished the match with 13 kills, which is her 12th outing of the season with 10 or more kills. Abby Thompson put down eight kills with a .333 hitting percentage and two blocks. Tori Thompson and Teeya Doppler added six and five kills respectively while Emily Skalicky rounded out her afternoon with 22 assists and two blocks. 

Dragon Bites

• The Dragons defended well this afternoon with 11 total blocks. That mark is the second-best tally on the season for MSUM (13 vs Saint Martin's).
• MSUM has won their last six sets of competition consecutively, which is their best set-by-set win streak this season.
• Although not known for her blocking ability, setter Emily Skalicky set a career high for blocks today with two. 

The Dragons are now 7-16 overall and 4-11 in conference play.

MSUM continues their current home stand on Tuesday with Northern State coming to town for a 6 p.m. match time.