Bismarck, N.D. ---The Minnesota State volleyball team (14-14, 9-11 NSIC) traveled to Bismarck N.D., to take on the University of Mary volleyball team (6-23, 3-17 NSIC) in their final match of the season. The Mavericks were able to end their season on a high note as they defeated the Marauders in three straight sets Saturday afternoon (25-15, 25-15, 25-17).

The Mavericks attack was lead by junior Jessica Nelson and freshman Toryn Richards who both had 10 kills in the contest. Senior Dana Schindler would help this effort with 29 assists. Defensively, the Mavericks were led by Schindler with 12 digs. Sophomore Ellie Danielson had 4 blocks this afternoon.

As a team, the Mavericks hit .337 with 43 kills, 9 service aces, 50 digs and 6 blocks.

Set Breakdown

Set 1: The Mavericks would quickly find themselves in a 4-1 hole to begin the match. The Mavericks would fight back and go on a 7-2 run to turn the tide and take an 8-6 lead. From here, the Mavericks would never trail again as they would begin to separate themselves from the Marauders. With a 18-14 lead, the Mavericks wold hit a 3-0 run and extend their lead to seven, the largest of the set. The Mavericks would give up one more point before capping set one with a 4-0 run started by a kill from freshman Kiya Durant.

Set 2: The Marauders would show some fight as they came out battling in set two. The Marauders would take a 10-7 advantage in the early going. The Mavericks would answer back in a big way as the Andover, Minn. native Jessica Nelson would put down a kill that ignited a Maverick 4-0 run to tie things up at 12. From their the Mavericks regained momentum and went on a 5-1 run to take a four point lead at 17-13. The Mavericks would end the set on a 8-1 run and seal the deal in set two.

Set 3: On the verge of the weekend sweep the Mavericks played determined. Mavericks gained control quickly as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead. The Marauders hung tight as they kept up with the Mavericks at a score of 11-10 in favor of the Mavericks. They would gain separation as they proceeded to go on a 4-0 run to extend the margin to five. The Mavericks would keep the distance as they would hold strong and finish the set with a 25-17 win and a 3-0 sweep of the match.

"Proud of the way we finished the season." Said Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps. "I truly appreciate all that the seniors in particular have done during their tenure as Mavericks. The season didn't turn out the way we had hoped, but we learned a great deal as a team and we'll continue to build upon it moving forward."

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