MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team (9-1) will play its first home matches of the 2019 season this weekend against #15 St. Cloud State and #4 Minnesota Duluth.  Friday, at 6:00 p.m., the Mavericks face off with the Huskies before taking on the Bulldogs Saturday, with first serve scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

Mavericks at a Glance: The Mavericks enter the week with a 9-1 (2-0 NSIC) overall record after picking up a pair of 3-1 conference wins over Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston.

Impact Mavericks: Minnesota State is being led on offense by senior outside hitter Morgan Olson who has recorded 140 kills (4.67/s) while adding 23 blocks.  Sophomore setter Dana Schindler leads the way in assists with 326 (9.59/s).  Seniors Ashton Lee and Anissa Janzig have recorded 26 and 27 blocks, respectively, on the defensive end.  

Scouting #15 St. Cloud State: St. Cloud State is located in St. Cloud, Minn., and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Huskies are currently 10-0 on the season and ranked #15th in the nation. St. Cloud State is coached by Chad  Braegelmann who is in his 5th year with the team.

As a team this season, St. Cloud State is averaging 15.2 kills per set compared to its opponents 11.0. Additionally, the Huskies average 14.1 assists per set and 19.9 digs per frame. 

Sophomore outside hitter Linsey Rachel leads St. Cloud State with 142 kills this season while junior Maddy Torve has 438 assists.  Senior Clara Krenz leads the Huskies on defense with 221 digs.

Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Huskies 3-2 (22-25, 18-25, 25-21, 27-25, 15-9) and St. Cloud State leads the all-time series 50-49-1.  

Scouting #4 Minnesota Duluth: Minnesota Duluth is located in Duluth, Minn., and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Bulldogs are 9-1 this season.  Minnesota Duluth is led by head coach Jim Boos who is entering his 18th year with the team.

As a team this season, the Bulldogs average 15.7 kills per set while their opponents notch 10.3. Minnesota Duluth has also averages 14.4 assists per set and 15.1 digs per set. 

Junior outside hitter Kate Berg has recorded a team-best 133 kills. Senior Emily (Torve) Balts initiates the offense and has recorded 380 assists this season.  Senior libero Keena Seiffert leads the Bulldog defense with 152 digs this season.  

Last season, the Mavericks were defeated by the Bulldogs 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-16) and Minnesota Duluth leads the all-time matchup 20-47-3.  

Looking Ahead: Minnesota State will return to the road with matches against Wayne State and Augustana Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.