Sioux Falls, S.D. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team (10-2, 3-1 NSIC) defeated the Augustana Vikings (5-7, 0-4 NSIC) Friday night in Sioux Falls, S.D., by a score of 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-17).
The first set saw Augustana jump out to an early five-point lead that they maintained before pushing their advantage to 18-10. The Mavericks rallied behind the serving of
Mara Quam though and went on a 6-1 run forcing the Vikings to use their first timeout. The comeback fell just short however when a block attempt that ricocheted out of bounds gave Augustana the first set 25-23.
In the second set the Mavericks got out to an early 6-4 advantage after
Quam made a diving save that gave
Morgan Olson a chance to slam home a kill. The Vikings were able to turn the tables though and pulled ahead with an 11-9 lead forcing a Minnesota State timeout. A 5-1 run from the Mavericks proved to be a catalyst as they jumped ahead to a 20-15 lead though. With a 5-2 run Minnesota State claimed the second set and tied the match.
The third set began tightly contested with Augustana posting a 14-12 lead that forced a Maverick timeout. Minnesota State proceeded to tie the match where it remained close until they pulled ahead with a 22-19 advantage they would maintain to claim the third set 25-21 giving them a 2-1 advantage in sets.
The fourth set saw the Mavericks jump out to an 8-3 lead in the opening moments. Minnesota State did not struggle to maintain that lead and found themselves in command late with a 21-13 lead forcing a Viking timeout. The advantage was too much for Augustana to overcome and the Mavericks took the final set 25-17, and the match 3-1.
Olson led all Mavericks with 15 kills in the match hitting at a .333% average.
Quam led the team in digs with 25, several of them in spectacular fashion.
Micayla Porter led Minnesota State in assists with 31 and added five service aces.
Saturday September 14
th, the Mavericks will travel to Wayne Nebraska to take on the #18 Wayne State Wildcats at 2:00 p.m.
