consecutiThe Minnesota volleyball team easily defeated Cal State Fullerton in three games, 15-2, 15-5, 15-2, in the evening session of the Nike Invitational in Eugene, Ore. The Gophers have won three consecutive matches and are 5-2 for the season.

Nicole Branagh, Minnesota's kill leader in each of the Gophers' seven matches this season, topped both teams with 17 kills. Lisa Aschenbrenner supplemented the Gopher attack with nine kills, six digs and four blocks.

Earlier in the day, Minnesota defeated Alabama in three games, 15-8, 15-5, 15-12. Branagh had 16 kills and nine digs to lead the Gophers in both categories. Yvonne Wichert hit 12 kills, while Lisa Aschenbrenner tacked on 11 kills with a .588 hitting percentage.

The Gophers will conclude play in the Nike Invitational against host school Oregon on Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (CDT).