University of Minnesota Athletics

BRANAGH, HAGEN LEAD #7 MINNESOTA OVER MICHIGAN

10/21/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball

(20Nicole Branagh had 23 kills as seventh-ranked Minnesota cruised to a 15-5, 15-9, 15-9 victory over Michigan at Cliff Keen Arena. The Golden Gophers (20-1, 9-1 Big Ten) have their best-ever overall record after 21 matches and their best-ever first half of a Big Ten season.

Stephanie Hagen added 14 kills and tied a season-high with nine blocks. The Gophers held the advantage in every team category over Michigan (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten). Minnesota held a .289-.101 lead in hitting percentage and a 17-6 edge in team blocks.

Minnesota led the entire first game, scoring the first six points en route to the 15-5 victory. Branagh had seven kills in 13 attempts in the opening game, and Hagen and Charnette Fair each had five kills in the first game. The Golden Gophers led the entire second game as well, although Michigan earned ties at 1-1 and 8-8. Minnesota scored seven of the final eight points to win the second game, 15-9. Branagh had 10 kills in the second game.

Michigan scored five consecutive points to take a 6-2 lead in the third game, but Minnesota reasserted control with 13 of the final 16 points of the match. Hagen and Branagh each had six kills and hit .500 in the final game.

The Gophers return to the road for two matches next weekend. Minnesota plays at Northwestern on Friday at 7 p.m.

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