The Minnesota State volleyball team (8-6, 3-3 NSIC) was defeated Friday evening by the Minnesota Duluth volleyball team (10-4, 3-3 NSIC). The Mavericks fell in three sets to the Bulldogs in Duluth, Minn. (19-25, 22-25, 14-25).
The Mavericks came out of the gates slow in set one as they quickly went down 3-0. They were ready for the challenge as they fought back and worked the score to a 5-5 tie before going on a 3-0 run to take the lead early 8-5. From their, both teams fought hard to a 9-9 tie. After that the Bulldogs never trailed again. The Mavericks kept pace and were down one with a score of 19- 20 late but, the Bulldogs went on a 5-0 run to close out set one with a victory.
The Mavericks bounced back quick to start the second set. The Mavericks led the vast majority of set two and by as much as five about half way through set two with a score of 14-9. From there, the Mavericks saw the Bulldogs chomp away at their lead and the Bulldogs were able to even it up late at 22. The Mavericks were on their heels and not able to withstand the pressure. They didn't score a point the rest of the match. The Bulldogs took set two on a 3-0 run to complete the comeback.
With the Mavericks down 0-2 entering set three they faced a steep uphill battle. The Mavericks found themselves in a deep hole quickly as they trailed the Bulldogs by 10 with a score of 14-4. The Mavericks had little to answer the offensive prowess of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs would keep their distance as the Mavericks wouldn't get any closer than 10 in the set and eventually fell to the Bulldogs in set three with a score of 25-14 to seal the match.
The Mavericks were led in kills by junior Mariah Edgington with 8 on the evening. Senior Dana Schindler contributed 12 assists to the Mavericks offensive effort against the Bulldogs. Senior Mara Quam added 8 digs on the defensive effort to get her within 67 digs of the Minnesota State all-time record.
The Mavericks return to the floor tomorrow afternoon as they travel to #16 St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, Minn., for another conference match up. First serve is slated for 2:00 p.m.
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