Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State volleyball team continues with the first conference matches of this season against Augustana and Wayne State. The Mavericks play on the road Friday Sep. 9 at 6:00 p.m. against the Vikings and Saturday Sep. 10th at 1:00 p.m. against the Wildcats.

About the Mavericks: Minnesota State returns with more action this weekend to open NSIC play after competing last weekend at the UIndy Invitational. MSU played  against: Ashland (3-1), Missouri -  St. Louis (3-0), UIndy (3-0) and Grand Valley State (3-0).

Sophie Tietz is leading the Mavericks with 57 kills followed closely by Abigail Wolfe with 56 for the start of the season. Makayla Snow leads on assists with a total of 171. Toryn Richards is leading the Mavericks with 70 digs. Kiya Durant leads the team with 32 blocks.

Coach Corey Phelps had a few comments recapping the last tournament Mavericks competed. 
"We battled through a great deal of unexpected injuries and sickness. We are a young team with a great deal of character. I'm excited about what's in store for this season when we have everyone healthy. Despite our record at this point, we're making solid strides. Four of the freshmen got a lot of playing time this weekend which was a positive experience".

The Mavericks face Augustana University and Wayne State on the road to open NSIC play. Freshman Emily Kern and freshman Maci Higgins saw action for the first time during last weekend's tournament as they both played ten sets. Kern totaled 12 kills and 12 blocks while Higgins recorded 30 digs and nine assists for the team. Freshman Ellie Kline had 24 digs for the Mavericks at the UIndy Invitational.

About the Vikings: Augustana is ranked #24 in the AVCA Top 25 Coaches Poll following the second week of competition. The Vikings finished their own Augustana volleyball Classic undefeated against South Dakota Mines (3-2), MSU Moorhead (3-0), Truman State (3-2), and Northern State (3-0).

Erika Bute was named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Week after helping the Vikings go undefeated last weekend. She is leading the team with a total of 163 digs. Kate Reinmann has recorded 97 kills since the start of the season. Maddy Guetter and Kate Reinmann both lead the team with 18 service aces.

Augustana University is coached by fromer Maverick Jennifer Jacobs who enters her sixth season coaching as a Viking.

About the Wildcats: Wayne State is up to fifth in AVCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll after wins against #5 West Florida, #12 West Texas A&M, and #6 Concordia - St. Paul.

Maggie Brahmer was named NSIC Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week. Taya Beller is leading the team with 125 kills. Jessie Brandl recorded 124 digs while Rachel Walker leads with 340 assists. 

Wayne State is coached by Scott Kneifl who is in his 18th year as a head coach and led the team for 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.





Coming Up: Minnesota State continues its season playing home Sept. 16th against Southwest Minnesota State at 6:00 p.m. and Sept. 17th against Sioux Falls at 2:00 p.m.

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