MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team (7-1) will begin Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play this weekend with road matches against Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston.  Friday, at 6:00 p.m., the Mavericks face off with the Beavers before taking on the Golden Eagles Saturday, with first serve scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

Mavericks at a Glance: The Mavericks enter the week with a 7-1 (0-0 NSIC) overall record after picking up four wins at the Bellarmine University Invitational.  Minnesota State earned sweeps over Tiffin and Virginia State while outlasting Christian Brothers and Bellarmine for 3-2 victories.  

Impact Mavericks: Minnesota State is being led on offense by junior outside hitter Alivia Garbe who has recorded 112 kills (4.31/s) while adding 69 digs.  Sophomore setter Dana Schindler leads the way in assists with 264 (10.15/s).  Seniors Ashton Lee and Anissa Janzig have recorded 26 and 22 blocks, respectively, on the defensive end.  

Scouting Bemidji State: Bemidji State is located in Bemidji, Minn., and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Beavers are currently 3-5 on the season. Bemidji State is coached by Kevin Ulmer who is in his 4th year with the team.

As a team this season, Bemidji State is averaging 11.5 kills per set compared to its opponents 13.0. Additionally, the Beavers compiled 10.7 assists per set and 15.8 digs per frame. 

Junior outside hitter Becky Schroeder leads Bemidji State with 92 kills this season while freshman Maddie Mackinac has 303 assists.  Senior Emma Hallmann leads the Beavers on defense with 132 digs.

Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Beavers 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-18) and Minnesota State leads the all-time series 39-17.  

Scouting Minnesota Crookston: Minnesota Crookston is located in Crookston, Minn., and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference  (NSIC). The Golden Eagles are 2-6 this season.  Minnesota Crookston is led by head coach Sarah Rauen who is entering her third year with the team.

As a team this season, the Golden Eagles average 9.9 kills per set while their opponents notch 12.9. Minnesota Crookston has also totaled 9.0 assists per set and 14.7 digs per set. 

Sophomore outside hitter Porsha Porath has recorded a team-best 108 kills. Junior Sydney Kruisselbrink initiates the offense and has recorded 182 assists this season.  Junior libero Katie Lienemann leads the Golden Eagle defense with 95 digs this season.  

Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Golden Eagles 3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17), and Minnesota State leads the all-time series 16-5.  

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will play its first home matches of the season when St. Cloud State visits Taylor Center Friday night with first serve scheduled for 6:00 p.m.  Saturday, the Mavericks will face off with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at 4:00 p.m.