Box Score Mankato, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State volleyball team topped No. 13 Northern State in five sets, 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 15-10), Friday night at Taylor Center in front of 313 fans. 

The Mavericks sprinted out to a quick 9-4 advantage in the opening frame only to watch Northern State rattle off six straight points to steal a 10-9 lead. The Wolves then went on to open up a 20-13 edge that Minnesota State could not overcome. Northern State took the first set, 25-22. 

In the second set, Northern State held a early 10-8 edge before the Mavericks went on a 7-2 run to steal a 15-12 lead after a Krista Hassing Kill. Minnesota State did not look back and stole the second frame, 25-22. 

Following intermission, both teams battled to deadlock the match at 11. The Wolves then began to take control of the set creating a four point, 20-16, advantage and forcing Minnesota State to burn a time out. The Mavericks fought back to cut the deficit down to three, 23-20, after a Hassing a kill but the Wolves went on to close out the set, 25-20.

In the fourth set, both teams traded points to lock the game at 19. Northern State then picked up a quick point to make the score, 20-19, and cause the Mavericks to use a time out. Minnesota State then used a 6-3 run highlighted by a set winning Morgan Olson kill to force a decisive fifth set, 25-23. 

The Mavericks took control early in the fifth set with a quick 9-6 lead forcing Northern State to use a time out. Minnesota State did not let off the gas and swelled their lead to 14-9  after a Maddie Keute service ace. The Mavericks went on to win the frame, 15-10, and the match, 3-2. 

Minnesota State held the edge in kills (64-55), assists (61-54), and digs (49-40). 

The Mavericks lead the all-time series, 17-6. 

Sophomore Autumn Risch led the Mavericks with a match-high 54 assists while Keute notched a match-best 14 digs. Three Mavericks reached double digits in kills: Sophmore Sydney Powell (15), Hassing (15), and Olson (14). 

With the win, Minnesota State moves to 12-11 (6-9 NSIC) on the season. The Mavericks will return to Taylor Center tomorrow taking on MSU Moorhead with first serve set for 4:00 p.m.