Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State (10-5, 3-4 NSIC) volleyball team lost to Sioux Falls (9-6, 4-3 NSIC) Saturday afternoon at Taylor Center by a score of 3-1 (26-24, 23-25, 20-25, 20-25). 

The first set began with no clear advantage for either team. A back and forth affair saw the Mavericks and Cougars struggling to gain control of the game. Minnesota State eventually won the set, coming back from a 20-16 deficit to win 25-24 in a tightly contested set.

The Mavericks started the second set on the front foot, jumping out to a 11-6 lead. Sioux Falls then proceeded to go on 6-1 run, tying up the game at 12-12. Sioux Falls did just enough to pull away, winning the set 25-23, to even up the game 1-1.

The third set followed the trend of the game, as it was also highly contested. The Cougars held a short 17-14 lead, which was quickly snuffed out by a 3-0 run by the Mavericks, tying the game up at 17.  The Cougars withstood a surge by the Mavericks, outlasting them to win the set 25-20, taking a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set started with Mavericks jumping out to a 4-0 lead, before the Cougars responded with a 9-0 run of their own.  Sioux Falls looked to maintain control of the set after their run, holding a 14-7 lead.  Minnesota State fought back, posting a 3-0 run to cut into the deficit. However, the Cougars proved to be too much, overpowering the Mavericks, 25-20, to win the game, 3-1.

Alivia Garbe led the Mavericks with 20 kills and .250% hitting percentage. Lauren Lowry led Minnesota State with 26 assists, with Micayla Porter adding 24 assists.

Next Friday Sept. 28^th the Mavericks will travel to Moorhead, Minn., to face the MSU Moorhead Dragons at 6:00 p.m.  Minnesota State will then travel to Aberdeen S.D., to take on the #1 team in the nation, Northern State at 6:00 p.m., Saturday night.