Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team continues with another weekend of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matches. The Mavericks return home Friday at 6:00 p.m. to face Southwest Minnesota State and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. against Sioux Falls.

Minnesota State is 1-9 and 0-2 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Mavericks return with more action this weekend to continue NSIC play after falling last weekend against Augustana 1-3 (25-12, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17) and Wayne State 0-3 (25-12, 28-26, 25-17).

About the Mavericks: Sophomore Abigail Wolfe is leading the Mavericks with 73 kills followed closely by junior Sophie Tietz with 68 for the start of the season. Junior Makayla Snow leads on assists with a total of 200 and eight aces. Senior Brenna Hesse is leading the Mavericks with 94 digs. Sophomore Kiya Durant leads the team with 39 blocks.

Coach Corey Phelps had a few comments recapping the last tournament Mavericks competed. 
"We battled this weekend. We played some of our best volleyball in the last two days and are going to continue to build on what we are doing. Augie and Wayne are great teams and I'm proud of what we did this weekend. We are going to be in the mix at the end of the season".

The Mavericks face Southwest Minnesota State and Sioux Falls at home to continue NSIC play. Minnesota State averages 12 kills and 15 digs per set for the start of the season. Sophomore Brooke Bolwerk recorded a total of 36 assists for the Mavericks last weekend.

About the Mustangs: SMSU is tied for first in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference following the third week of competition. The Mustangs are currently undefeated in conference play 2-0 and have a record of 10-0.

Sari Kuehl is leading the team with a total of 123 kills. Natalee Rolbiecki has recorded 109 digs since the start of the season. Alisa Bengen leads the team with 394 assists.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Tyler Boddy. It's his first season as a Mustang after being named to the position on Dec. 17, 2021.

About the Cougars: Sioux Falls is currently on a winning streak of five matches 6-3 and is 2-0 on conference play.

Sadie Voss leads the team with 63 kills and 72 digs. Elise Gillen has recorded 147 assists since the start of the season.

Sioux Falls is coached by Dan Mathews who is in his second year as a head coach.



Coming Up: Minnesota State continues its season playing on the road Sept. 23rd against MSU Moorhead at 6:00 p.m. and Sept. 24th against Northern State at 2:00 p.m.




-30-