The Minnesota State volleyball team (7-5, 2-2 NSIC) took on the Northern State volleyball team (9-3, 4-0 NSIC) in NSIC action this evening. The Wolves defeated the Mavericks in Aberdeen S.D. in four sets 3-1 (13-25, 22-25, 25-21, 17-25).
In set one, the Wolves got out of the gates fast on the Mavericks. The Wolves never trailed in the set. The Mavericks were able to get within four early with a score of 8-12 but, the Wolves 4-1 run and extended their lead to 16-9. The Mavericks would only score four more points this set as the Wolves kept up their blistering pace and took set one 25-13.
Set two, saw the Mavericks come out stronger. The Mavericks kept pace with the Wolves for much of the first half of the set. It was a back-and-forth battle early but, saw the Wolves work the lead to 16-13. The Mavericks nipped at the paws of the Wolves all set long and got to within two facing set point with a score of 22-24. The Mavericks did their best to stay afloat but, the Wolves got the decisive point and put away the Mavericks in set two.
Set three saw the Mavericks on the ropes and facing defeat. They battled the Wolves quickly to a 5-5 tie. From there, the Mavericks never trailed again in the set. The Mavericks got ahead by as much as five with a score of 21-16 late in the set. The Wolves got within two late at 23-21 but, the Mavericks stood their ground and took the final two points and were victorious in set three.
In set four, the Mavericks were still facing an uphill battle. Both teams went point for point and worked the score to a 10-10 tie. From there, the Wolves went on an 8-2 run and took a commanding lead 18-12. The Mavericks would do their best to keep pace but, the Wolves attack was just too much to handle this evening and the Mavericks fell in set four 25-17 and lost the match.
"We got off to a slow start, but I couldn't be prouder of the way we battled on the last 3 sets. We learned a lot from that match" said head coach Corey Phelps. "We're continuing to get better every match. Looking forward to another battle tomorrow."
The Mavericks were led in kills by junior Mariah Edgington with 10. Senior Dana Schindler led the Mavericks in assists with 20. Senior Mara Quam contributed 17 digs on the match. Freshman Kiya Durant was able to put down 7 blocks. With tonight's 17 digs from Quam she is now 93 digs away from the Minnesota State record.
The Mavericks return to action tomorrow afternoon as they travel to MSU Moorhead to take on the Dragons in NSIC play with first serve slated for 3:30 p.m.
-30-
