The University of Minnesota volleyball team swept UCLA on Saturday night 25-23, 25-20, 25-22 to advance to the National Semifinals for the second straight year. The Gophers improve to 29-4 on the season, including ending an eight-game homestand with four-straight NCAA wins.

“It was a very challenging match tonight,” head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. “I was extremely proud of our athletes for the way they responded to the different style of play we got to see from UCLA. A lot of great defense from them and a lot of defensive discipline on their part. We were still able to find ways to close out these sets. Very proud and we’ll enjoy it. As you know it’s on to the next one.” All-tournament team members from Minnesota were Molly Lohman, Samantha Seliger-Swenson, and tournament MVP Sarah Wilhite.

As a team, Minnesota put up 12 blocks to UCLA’s 7, hit 46 kills, and had 61 digs. Wilhite lead the Gophers with 15 kills and eight digs, while Alexis Hart had 11 kills.