Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team (10-5, 3-4 NSIC) returned home to face off with the #24 Sioux Falls Cougars (11-4, 3-4 NSIC), winning the match with a 3-0 sweep (25-20, 25-20, 25-23).
 
The Match began evenly before the Mavericks started to create distance with an 8-1 run, giving them a commanding 22-14 lead in the set.  The Cougars managed to get back into the set, but the size of Minnesota State at the net proved too much, and the Mavericks took the first set 25-20.

The second set once again didn't see either team gain any separation early.  Minnesota State pulled away in the middle of the set once more with a 5-0 run that gave them a 22-16 lead that Sioux Falls couldn't overcome, resulting in a 25-20 set win and 2-0 match lead.  

In the third set, the Mavericks built an early 8-3 lead but the Cougars responded with a 5-1 run to get back into the set.  After both squads traded 2-3 point runs, the pivotal moment of the match came with Minnesota State up 23-22.  As the Cougars swung for the set tying shot, senior Haley Shimon  blocked the shot, bringing the Taylor Center crowd to their feet, and putting the Mavericks up 24-22, putting them in position for match point which they would earn two-points later.  

Morgan Olson led all attackers with 13 kills while adding a block.  Shimon finished the match with eight kills and two blocks.  As a team, the Mavericks finished with nine blocks compared to zero for the Cougars.

Saturday, the Mavericks will host #9 Southwest Minnesota State with first serve scheduled for 2:00 p.m.