MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State volleyball (12-10, 7-7) defeated the Beavers of Bemidji State (8-14, 5-9) in four sets, winning 3-1. The Mavericks had 12 aces and 17 blocks in their comeback win.

Bemidji State started the match hot, opening up the first set 10-1. But the Mavericks couldn't be contained forever, as Minnesota State roared back to tie up the score 24-24. The Beavers were able to close out a hard-fought first set, 28-26. The second set was tightly contested. Bemidji State looked like they were going to take the set, up 24-20. However, the Mavericks, with their backs against the wall, were able to swing momentum in their favor, taking the next six points with Sophie Tietz serving, to close out the second set, 26-24.

With the match tied, Minnesota State came out hot in the third set. The Mavericks took a commanding 19-5 lead, with Emma Loveall leading the charge, scoring nine straight points while the senior outside hitter served. In that run, Loveall had four service aces, including three consecutive aces. The Mavericks confidently took the third set, 25-8. The final set was again contentious, ending with the Mavericks pulling out the win, 25-19.

Minnesota State was led offensively by junior right-side hitter, Abigail Wolfe, who had 11 kills, one shy of her season high. Wolfe also contributed six blocks. Loveall, who had four aces on her dominant third set run, also had four kills, two blocks and a handful of digs. Reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week, Kiya Durant had herself an excellent game as well, recording eight blocks, six kills, two aces and two digs. Sophie Tietz had seven kills, four service aces, six digs and two blocks. Emily Kern had eight blocks, tying her season high. Brooke Bolwerk and Skylar Walters shared assist duties; Bolwerk recorded 20 and Walters had a career-high 14 assists. Libero Ellie Kline led MSU in digs with 28.

Bemidji State was led by Rylie Bjerklie and Hanna Kos, who each recorded 10 kills. Bjerklie also had four blocks. Lilly Bandle had six blocks. Emily Wade recorded 34 assists and 14 digs. Lauren Justesen had 28 digs. Ashley Crowl had nine kills, two aces and four blocks against the Mavericks.

"Stealing that second set away from [Bemidji State] was a pivotal moment," said Minnesota State head coach, Corey Phelps. "That gave us the momentum to have a great third set and grind out the victory in the last set."

Phelps noted the service of Tietz to close out the second set was crucial. "The fact that she had the confidence to keep going after it from the service line was huge for not only her confidence, but for the entire team as well.

"We needed this win to bolster us up for a playoff push. We are in a good spot; us continuing to get better puts us in a better spot."  MSU is currently eighth in the NSIC standings with four matches to play in the regular season. The top eight teams will qualify for the conference tournament first round, which begins November 14.

Minnesota State volleyball is back in action at the Taylor Center next weekend for a rematch against Minot State (2-22, 1-13) on Friday Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. and U-Mary (7-17, 2-12) on Saturday Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. Saturday's match against the Marauders will be Senior Night for the Mavericks.