Bemidji, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball (8-1, 0-0 NSIC) team traveled to Bemidji, Minn., to face the Bemidji State Beavers (3-6, 0-0 NSIC), to open conference play and won the match 3-1 (12-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23).

The Beavers opened the match with a 5-1 run before the Mavericks responded with a 5-2 run of their own.  Then Bemidji State took a 14-10 lead, forcing a Minnesota state timeout.  Coming out of the timeout, the Beavers rallied off an 11-2 run, punctuated by seven Maverick attack errors, to take the first set 25-12.

Minnesota State responded in the second set, jumping to a 6-1 lead on the strength of two service aces from Alivia Garbe.  Bemidji State responded with a run of their own to tie the set and both teams traded points until late when, with the score tied at 23, Mara Quam drilled back to back service aces to take the set and tie the match 1-1.

In the third set the Mavericks came out firing and went on a 13-6 run to start.  Despite a late rally from the Beavers, the Mavericks took the set 25-18, and took a 2-1 lead in the match.

Minnesota State once again jumped to an early lead in the fourth set, starting with a 9-5 edge.  Once again Bemidji State fought back, but ultimately the Mavericks were able to hold on and win the set 25-23 to take the match.

Garbe finished the match with 17 kills and 11 digs while Morgan Olson finished with 15 kills.  Dana Schindler initiated the offense and finished with 38 assists. 

Tomorrow, the Mavericks will travel to Crookston, Minn., at 2:00 p.m., to take on the Golden Eagles.