Mankato, Minn. --- The Mavericks return to Taylor Center for a three-game home stint, as they host No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State and the University of Sioux Falls on Friday and Saturday, respectively, before MSU hosts the nation's top-ranked team, Concordia-St. Paul, Tuesday, Oct. 22.
MSU dropped two matches this past weekend, to fall to 8-8 overall with a mark of 4-5 in conference action as it fell to Augustana, 3-1 before dropping a 3-0 decision to No. 15 Wayne State on Saturday.
The Mavericks were led by sophomore Chandra Honebrink (Waconia, Minn.) who recorded 26 kills (3.71 per set) while hitting .345 through the two sets. Sophomore setter Ellie Van De Steeg (Hutchinson, Minn.) recorded 66 assists, while freshman libero Haley Fogarty (Belle Plaine, Minn.) led the defensive charge, amassing 26 digs.
Scouting the Opponent: The Mavericks will do battle with No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State and the University of Sioux Falls Friday and Saturday with first-serve slated for 7 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively. The Mustangs boast a 14-3 overall record, going a perfect 9-0 in NSIC action, while the Cougars currently sit 11-7 overall and 3-6 on the circuit.
SMSU is coached by Terry Culhane, who is in his 10th season at the helm of the Mustang volleyball program. He has amassed a 263-63 record in his coaching tenure at Southwest Minnesota State. The Mustangs are led by sophomore Abbey Thiessen, who has tallied 237 kills so far this season.
The Cougars are coached by Joel McCartney, who is in his third season as head coach for USF. Sioux Falls is led by junior Emily Johnson, who has recorded 244 kills through 18 matches this season.
Ace-Ace in Your Face: The Mavericks are currently sixth in the conference in service aces, posting 84 aces (1.42 per set), through the first 16 matches. Senior Briel Hendricksen (Lakefield, Minn.) leads the way with 20 service aces this season (0.36 per set) which ranks her eight in the conference in total service aces.
Set-by-Set: MSU has posted a 4-5 record in matches that last three sets so far this season, while amassing a 1-2 record in four-set matches and posting a 3-1 record in matches that extend into the fifth set.
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