Sioux Falls, S.D. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team (16-9, 9-8 NSIC) dropped their match with the Sioux Falls Cougars (17-8, 12-5 NSIC) Friday Night in Sioux Falls, S.D., by a score of 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-15, 25-22).

In the first set the Mavericks got the early jump on the Cougars, pushing to an early 7-2 lead.  Sioux Falls eventually fought back forcing Minnesota State to take a timeout with the set tied at 19.  The Cougars took advantage of that momentum and ended up taking the set 25-23. 

In the second set the Mavericks once again gained an early edge, this time a 12-6 lead.  Mirroring the first set though, Sioux Falls went on an 11-5 run to tie the set at 17.  Coming out a timeout, Minnesota State retook the lead and jumped ahead to a 23-21 lead which they held onto to take the set 25-22, tying the match at one set apiece.

The third set saw the Cougars jump out to an early 12-6 lead prompting a timeout from the Mavericks.  Out of the timeout Sioux falls continued their attack with a 6-2 run to push their lead to 18-8 in the set, and ultimately won the set 25-15 to take a 2-1 match lead. 

In the fourth set the match was extremely even until the Cougars gained an 11-9 edge.  The teams continued to trade points until the Mavericks tied the match at 21.  Out of a timeout, Sioux Falls took an advantage early and took the set 25-22, and the match 3-1.

Morgan Olson led the Mavericks in the match with 20 kills and added three digs.  Mara Quam was the leader in digs with 23 and Micayla Porter earned 31 assists.

Tomorrow the Mavericks travel to Augustana to take on the Vikings at 2:00 p.m.