MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Miami volleyball opened the Diet Coke Classic and continued a three-game road trip, Friday, taking on No. 13 Minnesota.

The Gophers and Hurricanes played tightly contested matches early, but Minnesota pulled away to take the 3-0 win over Miami.

Miami was led offensively by Ruth Martinez’s 10 kills and .400 hitting percentage while setter Ariana Rodriguez had 21 assists. Defensively, Lal Akin, Denitsa Angelova, and Rodriguez each tallied one block.

Set 1: Minnesota 25, Miami 15
The Hurricanes and Gophers were neck and neck early in the first set, until Minnesota scored four straight points to take an 8-3 lead over Miami. Miami took four of the next six points, but Minnesota went on a 15-8 run to take the first set and an early match lead.

Set 2: Minnesota 25, Miami 16
Miami took the lead in the second set, taking advantage of an Angelova block and back-to-back points by Ella Thompson. Three straight Hurricanes’ points with the match tied gave Miami a 6-3 lead before the Gophers recorded three straight of their own to tie the set. The two teams traded points until Minnesota scored seven straight points to take a 20-14 lead over Miami. The Gophers took five of the final seven points to seal the set two victory.

Set 3: Minnesota 25, Miami 14
In the third set, the Gophers took an early lead that they would not surrender. Miami tied the match early and pulled themselves within two points three times early, but the Gophers held on to take the final set 25-14, outscoring Miami 19-10 down the stretch.

Up Next: Miami Hurricanes volleyball will wrap the Diet Coke Classic on Saturday, Sept. 12 at St. Thomas. First serve is set for 1 p.m. EDT.