Houghton, Mich. ——— The Minnesota State volleyball team (2-2, 0-0 NSIC) opened day three of the Keweenaw Volleyball Classic against Lake Superior State (0-4, 0-0 GLIAC) in hopes of rebounding from a loss last night in their third match of the tournament. The Mavericks were victorious over the Lakers in four sets 3-1 (25-20, 25-28, 17-25, 25-23) at SDC Gym this afternoon.
The Mavericks started hot and went up 4-0 in set one. The Mavericks never trailed in this set. The Lakers would close the gap to one multiple times but, that was as close as they would get. The Mavericks extended their lead by as much as eight at one point as they went on to win the set 25-20. In the second set the Mavericks saw themselves behind the Lakers by three most of the set. The Mavericks trailed the Lakers 14-11 before the Mavericks went on a 6-0 run that put them ahead 17-14. The Mavericks would only allow four more points the rest of the set as they would win 25-18.
With the Mavericks looking for the three set sweep, the Lakers stood strong. Both squads would battle to a 12-12 tie in the set. The Lakers would go on two, 3-0 runs that proved to be too much for the Mavericks. The Lakers won set three 25-17. However, in set four the Mavericks would bounce back quickly and take down the Lakers. The Mavericks had to withstand a late surge by the Lakers as they got within one point late and made the score 24-23 but, freshman outside hitter Toryn Richards had the final kill to win the set and the match.
"We continue to find ways to improve." Said Minnesota State head coach Corey Phelps. "Happy we were able to take care of business today and finish on a good note. We will work hard this week to prepare for next weekend in Kenosha (Wis.). It was a solid start to the season. Excited about what's to come."
Junior outside hitter Jessica Nelson led the team in kills with 16. Freshman setter Brooke Bolwerk contributed 27 assists on the day and senior defensive specialist Mara Quam added 23 digs in the win. Senior Dana Schindler was named to the all-tournament team.
The Mavericks return to action next Friday (9/10) as they will compete in the Parkside Hampton Inn Tournament in Kenosha, Wis. The Mavericks will square off against Quincy University at 8:00 a.m. and Colorado Christian University at 2:45 p.m.
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