The Minnesota State volleyball team (11-7, 6-4 NSIC) defeated Augustana University (12-6, 7-3 NSIC) in conference action Friday night at Taylor Center. The Mavericks prevailed in a tightly contested match with a final score of 3-2 (25-19, 20-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-8).

Set one saw a back and fourth bout out of the gates. Both teams raced to a 7-7 tie. The Vikings would get the next point to make it 8-7 but, the Mavericks would rip off 5-0 run to take the lead 12-8. The Mavericks would never trail again in the set from here. The Mavericks would extend their lead to 16-13 before going on a 3-0 run to push it to a 19-13 lead. The Vikings would try to keep pace but, the Maverick attack was just too much to handle as the Mavericks took set one 25-19.

Set two saw a different Vikings team as they exploded out of the break to a 8-2 advantage. The Mavericks would show their pride and eat away at the Vikings lead and eventually got it to a 17- 17 tie after a 3-0 run. The Vikings would answer the bell and would charge ahead with a 7-1 run to take a 24-18 lead. The Mavericks would try to stand their ground but, the Viking attack was strong in set two and the Mavericks fell 25-20.

Set three saw the Viking attack continue as they started the set with a 4-0 run. The Mavericks would stand their ground as they fought back to a 7-7 tie. From here, neither team could get any separation on the scoreboard. Both teams kept pace with each other and found themselves deadlocked at 19. The Mavericks would go on the offensive, as they went on a 5-1 run to get it to set point at 24-20. The Mavericks would seal the deal with a kill from junior Jessica Nelson to cap off set three 25-21.

The Vikings came out of the set break in set three looking to get back on track. The Vikings would claim a slim lead at 7-5 before the Mavericks proceeded to go on a 4-0 run to take a 9-7 lead. The Vikings would answer with a run of their own knocking down three straight kills to get 10-9 advantage. The Mavericks and Vikings would once again find themselves tied, this time at 13. The Vikings then went on another 3-0 run to take a 16-13 lead. The Mavericks would get as close as one four more times in set four but saw the Vikings go on a 3-0 run to cap off the set with a 25-21 victory.

The Mavericks were not going to let this critical NSIC match slip away. The Mavericks came out with guns ablaze in set five as they outworked the Vikings to a 6-0 lead. Both teams would each exchange a point before the Vikings went on a 4-0 run to answer the Mavericks momentum. The Mavericks dug their heels in and ripped off 5-0 run to take a seven point advantage with a score of 12-5. The Mavericks would not falter in set five as they were able to seal the set and match with a block by junior Jessica Nelson and freshman Kiya Durant by a score of 15-8.

"Huge win for us tonight." Exclaimed Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps. "We played outstanding defense and kept our composure throughout, which was a pivotal piece to the match. Slowing down their big outside attack was the last piece to the puzzle and I thought we did a great job at that." Coach Phelps also had this to say, "Looking forward to a big challenge tomorrow. #5 Wayne State is a totally different team, but if we can bring the same energy I like our chances."

The Mavericks led on offense by junior Jessica Nelson who accounted for 15 kills this evening. Senior Dana Schindler aided Nelson in the offensive effort with a season high 31 assists. Senior Mara Quam and junior Mariah Edgington had 19 and 15 digs respectively. With those 19 digs by Quam she is now just 9 digs from taking over the Minnesota State all-time digs record held by Haley Fogarty (2013-2016). Also, on the defensive side freshman Kiya Durant led the Mavericks in blocks with nine.

The Mavericks return to the floor tomorrow afternoon for another big NSIC matchup as they take on #5 Wayne State at Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn., with first serve slated for 2:00 p.m.