The fifth-ranked Gophers were challenged strongly in all three sets by visiting Maryland on Friday night, before coming away with a sweep of 25-23, 25-23, 25-21 .

Freshman Stephanie Samedy delivered crushing winners with precision, hitting 18 of 34 (.471) with only two errors for Minnesota (22-2, 11-2 Big Ten). She also had seven assists and nine digs.

Samedy, of Clermont, Fla., turned 19 in September. Asked about Friday's snow in Minneapolis, she said, "It's the first time I've seen a real snow.''

Snow? "Yes,'' she said. "My first snowfall. I expect more.''

There was an announced sellout of 5,475 at the Sports Pavilion. There will be another sellout for Saturday night's match with Ohio State.

PATRICK REUSSE

Etc.

• Gophers seniors Felix Corwin and Matic Spec defeated Jackson Cobb and Alex Sendegeya 6-3, 6-4 in the consolation quarterfinals of the ITA Fall National Championships in Palm Desert, Calif.

• The Gophers women's tennis team won seven of eight singles marches and three of four doubles matches to beat Massachusetts 10-2 in the Big Green Invitational in Hanover, N.H.

• Augustana defeated previously unbeaten Bemidji State 1-0 on Reiley Klose's early goal and Minnesota State Mankato routed Mary 6-0 as Molly Sarafolean scored twice in NSIC women's soccer semifinals.