MANKATO, Minn. – The No. 14 Minnesota State Mavericks evened up their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference record to 2-2 on Friday, defeating the Bemidji State Beavers, 3-1.

 

In the first set, both teams battled back-and-forth to find themselves tied at 18. A block by junior middle blocker Jill Storlie triggered a 7-1 run for Minnesota State, who won the set, 25-19.

 

Bemidji State fought back in the second set and tied the match at a game a piece. The Mavericks lead, 17-13, before the Beavers rallied to go on an 11-5 run. Facing game point, Minnesota State won four consecutive points, but was unable to finish the set falling, 25-23.

 

MSU regained the lead in the third set defeating the Beavers, 25-19. The Mavericks never trailed in the set, and were led by seven kills from sophomore outside hitter Jenna McNallan.

 

The Mavericks came out hot in the fourth set jumping out to an 11-4 lead. Minnesota State never looked back as it won the set, 25-15, and the match, 3-1.

 

Minnesota State was led by junior outside hitter Chelsea Fogarty who recorded a game-high 18 kills and 17 digs, and McNallan who had 15 kills and 19 digs. Senior setter Brittany Stamer had a game-high 52 assists, while the Beavers were led by JessiBeth McCannell with 28 assists.

 

Bemidji State had one player with double-digit kills as Bethany Thompson led the Beavers with 10 kills.

 

The Mavericks (9-3, 2-2 NSIC) return to action Saturday as they are set to face No. 5 Minnesota Duluth. Action is slated to begin at 4 p.m., at Taylor Center.

 

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