MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Jasmyn Martin had 10 kills and Minnesota combined to hit .351 as the No. 3-ranked Gophers defeated North Dakota State 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-19) during the first day of the Diet Coke Classic on Friday, Aug. 31, before 4,914 spectators at Maturi Pavilion.
 
NDSU (1-3) is scheduled to close out Classic play against Arkansas (2-1) at 12 p.m. and Georgia Southern (0-4) at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1. The Razorbacks defeated Georgia Southern 3-0 in the first match.
 
Stephanie Samedy recorded a match-high 11 kills as balanced Minnesota (3-0) jumped out to early leads in the first two sets to hand-cuff the Bison. Samantha Seliger-Swenson had 33 assists and nine digs, while Regan Pittman notched eight kills and match-high five blocks. Adanna Rollins collected eight kills and match-high 10 digs.
 
However, North Dakota State bounced back during the third set and led 15-12 following a block from Allie Mauch and Kalli Hegerle. Mauch had all three of her blocks in the set three. Minnesota used a 9-1 run to pull away from NDSU.
 
McKenzie Burke led the Bison with seven kills and seven digs, while Kalli Hegerle had 19 assists and Abbi Klos claimed nine digs.