The Minnesota State volleyball team (5-2, 0-0 NSIC) were ready for the start of day two of the Hampton Inn Invitational hosted by UW-Parkside, as they took on Lake Superior State (0-8, 0-0 GLIAC). The Mavericks came out strong and defeated the Lakers 3-1 in four sets (20-25, 25-7, 25-13, 25-20).
The Mavericks were able to jump to a 3-0 lead but, that offensive prowess waned in the opening set of the match. The Lakers sailed to an early 8-4 lead. The Mavericks were behind for much of the match but, were able to tie the match at 9-9. After that, the Mavericks never took the lead back as the Lakers took set one of the match 25-20. The Mavericks quickly got energized and jumped out of the gates fast in the start of set two and never slowed. The Mavericks simply overpowered the Lakers in a 25-7 bashing to quickly end set two.
In set three the Mavericks got an early lead but, the Lakers wanted to have a better set than set two. The Lakers were able to work the score to an early 6-6 tie but, the Mavericks went on an impressive 11-0 run. After a Lakers timeout, the Mavericks were able to rid of the Lakers in set three with a 25-13 victory. Set four started with a back and forth battle but, the Mavericks were able settle in and build a 17-10 lead. After another Lakers timeout, they were able to dig in to the Mavericks lead and cut it to three. With the score 17-14 in favor of the Mavericks, they would go on a 4-0 run to propel themselves to a 21-14 advantage. The Lakers mounted a late push to get within four but, the Mavericks were to much to handle for the Lakers as they won the set 25-20 and the match 3-1.
The Mavericks were led in kills by juniors Jessica Nelson and Mariah edgington who both earned eight kills on the match. The Mavericks offense was also aided by seniors Mara Quam and Dana Schindler who both contributed four aces on the contest. Quam also added 27 digs. Freshman Brooke Bolwerk had 21 assists in the win.
In match two of, day two at the Hampton Inn Invitational the Minnesota State volleyball team (5-3, 0-0 NSIC) looked to go a perfect 4-0 on the weekend as they had a rematch from last weekend with UW-Parkside (3-5, 0-0 GLIAC). The Rangers defeated the Mavericks 3-1 (14-25, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25)
In set one, the Mavericks got done quickly as the Rangers jumped out to a 6-1 start that prompted Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps to take a timeout. Things didn't get better after that. The Rangers continued to pour it on as they took the advantage to 17-6. The Mavericks wouldn't get any closer than nine from there on out. The Rangers took set one 25-14. The Mavericks battle hard out of the break in set two. It was an even tilt as the Mavericks worked it to a 8-8 tie early in the set. The Mavericks got within three late as they went on a 3-0 run facing set point but, would fall 21-25.
The third set saw the Mavericks muster up some determination as they got up quick on the Rangers with a 10-3 lead. The Mavericks saw a 5-1 run after that point but, never trailed. The Mavericks kept their distance and put away the Rangers 25-17 in set three. The Mavericks on the precipice of defeat battled hard and looked to even the match at two sets a piece. The Mavericks got ahead by a slight margin with a 12-11 lead but, the Rangers were not going to let this one slip away. From there, the rangers went on a 5-0 run to take the lead and extend it to a 16-12 advantage. The Rangers never looked back from there as the Mavericks got close late with a score of 22-24 but, the Rangers shut the door and won the match 25-22.
Sophomore Ellie Danielson led the Mavericks in kills with 12 and junior Jessica Nelson contributed 11. Senior Dana Schindler led the Mavericks with 15 assists and freshman Brooke Bolwerk added 14 in the assists column and senior Mara Quam had a team high 26 digs.
"It was a disappointing finish to an otherwise fairly solid tournament" head coach Corey Phelps noted at the end of day two. He continued as he said, "We have work to do but, we are looking forward to starting conference play next weekend at home!"
The Mavericks will return to action as they get set to start NSIC play at the Taylor Center as they take on the University of Mary Friday, September 17th with first serve set for 6:00 p.m., Then, on Saturday, September 18th the Mavericks will square off against Minot State with first serve at 2:00 p.m.
-30-
