MANKATO, Minn. – The Mavericks (9-7) defeated the Wolves of Northern State (12-4) in three straight sets, 3-0 Saturday morning at Taylor Center. It was Minnesota State's fourth conference win of the season in volleyball. With the win, the Mavericks move into eighth place in the NSIC standings.

The Mavericks and Wolves were locked into two consecutive close sets, with Minnesota State pulling away and clinching both sets 25-22. Northern State started the second set ahead 7-1, but Minnesota State came back, going on a 12-2 run to take the lead, and they never gave it back. The final set was dominated by the Mavericks who finished off the match 25-17.

Junior middle blocker, Kiya Durant, was dominant all over the court against Northern State, recording nine kills with a hitting percentage of .533, two aces and three blocks. Sophie Tietz had eight kills, two aces and three blocks. Emily Kern led the Mavericks in blocks with four. Toryn Richards had seven kills, an ace and seven digs. Makayla Snow and Brooke Bolwerk split assist duties, each recording 16 assists. Ellie Kline recorded 11 digs to lead Minnesota State.

"I couldn't be prouder of the grit and focus we showed today," said head coach Corey Phelps. "We were able to come back in every set, locking them down when it mattered. That was a big piece."

Phelps made sure to note how the game was a team win. "We once again had a number of different players step up in various ways. Our blocking and defense were on point and we hit over .300 as a team against a good team like Northern State."

The Mavericks are back at home next Thursday at 6 p.m. to take on Sioux Falls (6-9) and travel to Nebraska to take on the No. 1 ranked Wayne State (16-1) on Saturday at 3 p.m.