Nov. 11 vs. Maryland
Minnesota dominated early in the first set scoring nine of the first 12 points. Maryland responded, cutting the lead to 10-5, but two kills from Jenna Wenaas and a Maryland attack error made it 13-5 with the Gophers ahead. Maryland came within six at 14-8, just before Minnesota went on an 11-4 scoring run to win the first set 25-12.
The Gophers’ momentum did not stop in the first set. They scored six of the first eight points to go up 6-2 in set number two. Maryland was able to cut the lead to 11-9, but Minnesota retaliated and did not let the score get any closer. It scored six of the next eight points to go up 17-11. Taylor Landfair was able to end the set for Minnesota 25-13.
Much like the first two sets, Minnesota took an early lead scoring five of the first seven points in the third, and even took a 9-3 lead just before a Maryland timeout.
Following the time out, Gophers senior Rachel Kilkelly hit her fourth ace of the night, a season-high mark that put the Gophers up 16-7. Minnesota closed out the set 25-16 and earned the sweep.
Minnesota is now 15-0 all-time against Maryland. Melani Shaffmaster posted 30 assists and 16 digs and now leads the Big Ten with her 12th double-double this season.
Nov. 13 vs. Indiana
In their second home game of the week, the Gophers dominated Indiana early in the first set, scoring the first five points of the game. The Gophers went on a 7-0 scoring run to take a commanding 14-6 lead.
Indiana answered, tying the game at 17 just before two attack errors made it 19-17 in favor of Minnesota. The Gophers managed to run away 25-22 to take set one.
Minnesota started out on fire again scoring 10 of the first 15 points in set two. After a brief Hoosier’s timeout, Kilkelly threw down an ace, and Carter Booth and Wenaas posted kills to help bring the Gophers up 15-6. The Gophers managed to take a commanding 22-8 lead and eventually won set two 25-9.
The Gophers and Hoosiers split the first six points of set three, just before Minnesota took off with a lead of 7-3. Minnesota went up 10-4, but IU scored three more to cut into the lead.
At this point, Minnesota was unstoppable, going on a 7-1 point run to go up 17-8. Tjey closed out the set 25-15 to complete their second sweep of the weekend.
Minnesota is now 61-16 all-time against Indiana. The Gophers held Indiana to just .031 hitting, a season-worst for a Minnesota opponent, topping Friday’s .043 hitting by Maryland. Sophomore Landfair broke her streak of 23 consecutive matches with double digit kills.
The Gophers will now travel to University Park, Pennsylvania, on Friday to play the No. 16 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.
