The Minnesota State volleyball team (11-10, 6-7 NSIC) traveled to Sioux Falls, S.D., to take on the Sioux Falls volleyball team (13-8, 8-5 NSIC) to finish their weekend road trip. The Mavericks fell in a three set sweep to the Cougars (22-25, 18-25, 16-25)

Set one saw a back and forth tilt as both teams raced to an 13-13 tie. From there, the Cougars went on a 3-0 run to take a 16-13 advantage. The Mavericks would answer back with two of their own to get within one. The Cougars however clawed right back and went on a 4-1 run to extend their lead to 20-16. The Mavericks would try and keep pace as they got within in two late but, the Cougars would seal up set one with a 25-22 victory.

In set two, the Mavericks came out stronger as they grabbed a slim 10-8 lead over the Cougars to start the set. The Cougars would answer back. They went on a 4-0 run to regain the lead at 12-10. The Cougars would slowly increase their lead as they had a 17-14 advantage before going on a 5-0 run to gain a sizable lead with a score of 22-14. The Mavericks would only score four more points as they eventually fell to the Cougars in set two with a score of 25-18.

In set three, the Mavericks had to once again try and climb a steep hill after dropping the first two sets. The Mavericks had little offensively as the Cougars marched to a 10-5 lead early in set three. The Mavericks would strike back and get within three with a score of 10-13 in favor of the Cougars. The Cougars would show their muscle as they climbed to a 20-13 lead. The Mavericks would answer with a 4-0 run to make the score 20-16. The Cougars however would close out set three with a 5-0 run to close it and take the match.

"We played a much better match today and had a lot of fight." Said Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps. "We need to weather the storm and keep building. There's a lot of season left."

The Mavericks were led on offense today by juniors Jessica Nelson, Mariah Edgington and sophomore Ellie Danielson who all had 6 kills in the match. Freshman Brooke Bolwerk had 14 assists in the effort. Mariah Edgington also had 10 digs for the defensive effort. Freshman Kiya Durant contributed 8 blocks for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks hit the floor next week as they travel to #5 Concordia-St. Paul to square off against the Golden Bears on Thursday October 28th with first serve at 6:00 p.m. Then, the Mavericks return home and take on the Peacocks of Upper Iowa at Taylor Center on Saturday October 30th with first serve slated for 2:00 p.m.