JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Minnesota Duluth volleyball claimed an important victory for postseason positioning on Friday night, knocking off Jamestown 3-1 (25-27, 25-18, 27-25, 25-21) on the road.
The 19th-ranked Bulldogs, recovering from a five-set upset loss at home against Minnesota State Moorhead in midweek, moved back up into a tie for fifth in the NSIC standings. The top eight teams will advance to the conference tournament beginning on Nov. 10, with the top four hosting quarterfinals.
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With the Jimmies currently in eighth behind UMD with three matches to play across the league, the Bulldogs are all but guaranteed a tournament berth.
UMD put up a powerful block all night, getting credited for 17, including 11 from Elyse Karrels alone. Grace Mueller was credited with 10.
Offensively, Paige Decker had a big night with 16 kills, while Xada Johnson added 12. UMD outhit UJ .258 to .179 as a team.
Defensively, Madison Reed led the Bullogs with 14 digs.
UMD (19-6, 12-5 NSIC) can move up in the league standings on Saturday when they play at fourth-place Northern State.