MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team is set to travel west to play in the Westminster Invitational in Salt Lake City, Utah.   The Mavericks open play against Truman State at 9:30 a.m. before taking on Lubbock Christian at 3:30 p.m. this Friday.  Saturday, Minnesota State faces Fort Lewis at 3:00 p.m., before taking on host team Westminster at 8 p.m. 
 
Mavericks at a Glance: The Mavericks enter the week with a 4-0 overall record after sweeping the competition at the USI Invitational.  The field consisted of Kentucky State, Edinboro University, Ohio Dominican, and Southern Indiana.

All-Conference: Sophomore defensive specialist Mara Quam was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week for her performance in the USI Invitational.

All-Tournament: Junior Morgan Olson, Quam, and junior Anissa Janzig were named to the all-tournament team for the USI invitational.

Impact Mavericks: Olson leads the Mavericks with a team best 58 kills and a .413 attacking percentage.  Quam has compiled 60 digs to begin the year, and Micayla Porter leads the teams in assists with 77.

By the Numbers: As a team this season, Minnesota State has posted 14.8 kills per set in comparison to its opponents 9.6.  Additionally, the Mavericks add 14.3 assists per set and 14.2 digs per set.  

Young Talent: The freshman class has contributed 28 digs, 79 assists, 29 kills, and 16 blocks this season. Freshman Kalee Peter leads all Mavericks with 14 blocks on the season and Lauren Lowry is second on the team with 75 assists. 

Scouting Truman State: Truman State is located in Kirksville, Mo., and are members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). The Bulldogs are 3-1 this season riding a two match win streak and are coached by ninth year head coach Ben Briney.

As a team, Truman State averages 14.6 kills per set compared to its opponents 12.0. Additionally, the Bulldogs compiled  13.4 assists per set and 18.9 digs per frame. 

Sophomore Ellie Kaat leads the team with 45 kills.  Senior Savvy Hughes has led Truman State with 153 assists.  

Scouting Lubbock Christian: Lubbock Christian is located in Lubbock, Texas, and is a member of the Heartland Conference (HC). The Lady Chaperalls have compiled a 2-2 record this season.  Lubbock Christian is led by head coach Missy Soboleski who is entering her 14th year with the team.

As a team this season, the Lady Chaperalls post 11.4 kills per set while their opponents notched 13.9. Lubbock Christian also totals 10.5 assists per set and 14.9 digs per set. 

Senior Lauren Zoller has recorded  a team best 49 kills. Junior Morgan Schwarz also leads the team with fifteen blocks.

Scouting Fort Lewis: Fort Lewis is located in Durango, Colo. and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) The Skyhawks are the 0-0 so far this season. Fort Lewis is led by  first year head coach Tricia Melfy who has 23 years of volleyball coaching experience.

As a team last season, the Skyahawks totaled 11,2 kills in comparison to its opponents' 13.8. Additionally, Fort Lewis posts 10.3 assists per set and 16.1 digs per set. Senior Maddie LeBlanc returns for Fort Lewis after recording 222 kills last season.  Senior Kendra Swackenber led the Skyhawks with 865 assists last season. 

Scouting Westminster: Westminster is located in Salt Lake City, Utah,  and is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). The Griffins enter this weekend with a 2-2 record. Westminster is led by fifth year head coach Al Givens

As a team this season, the Griffins average  11.2 kills in comparison to their opponents' 12.3. Additionally, Westminster  posts 10.8 assists per set and 15.6 digs per set. Sophomore Audrey Green leads the Griffons with 34 kills this season and Agatha Roese-Olsen has collected  86 assists.  

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will begin NSIC competition on Sep. 6 when they travel to Winona State to face off against the Warriors at 6:00 p.m.   The Mavericks will then have their home opener Saturday Sep. 8 at 7:00 p.m. facing off against Upper Iowa.