MANKATO, Minn. – Emma Loveall led the Minnesota State volleyball (13-10, 8-7) team over the Minot State Beavers (2-23, 1-14) in four sets, 3-1 Friday night at Taylor Center. The Mavericks had nine team blocks and 12 service aces to propel them to victory. This marks Minnesota State's second win against Minot State this season.
Minot State controlled the beginning of the match, taking a quick 9-4 lead to start the first set. While the Mavericks came back and eventually tied up the set, 9-9, the Beavers continued to plug away, eventually taking it 25-20. The second set started as a back-and-forth affair, but the Mavericks went on a 13-2 run to tie the match, 25-15. Minot State tied up the third frame 14-14. Then Minnesota State went on an 11-3 run to close out set three, 25-17.
Set four belonged to the Mavericks', who started out on top 16-6. The Beavers continued to compete but couldn't complete the comeback, as Minnesota State closed the match with an exclamation 25-14.
Loveall led the Mavericks offense, recording 14 kills and three aces with a .500 hitting percentage. Kiya Durant was second in kills for MSU with 10. Durant also had two blocks. Reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week, Emily Kern, had nine kills and a match-high five blocks, including one solo block.
Abigail Wolfe had three blocks. Sophie Tietz had two aces and two blocks. Brooke Bolwerk and Skylar Walters shared assisting duties, recording 23 and 20 assists, respectively. Libero Ellie Kline had 26 digs.
Minot State was led by Emily Kotelnikoff offensively, with 10 kills. Sydney Upton and Bailee Brommenschenkel led the Beavers in blocks, each recording two. Jaina Macaulay and Paige Ammerman had 17 and 12 assists, respectively. Kendal Braun had 14 digs for Minot State. Viktoria Sedova and Brommenschenkel both had two service aces against Minnesota State.
"We did what we needed to tonight," said Mavericks head coach, Corey Phelps. "After a disappointing start we were able to take control and play more aggressively on both sides of the ball. Our middles stepped up and had a big day and Emma played very well on the outside. Hopefully we can keep building on the good things we are doing."
The Mavericks return to action tomorrow afternoon, Saturday Nov. 4 at 2 p.m., to take on the Marauders of UMary (7-18, 2-13) at the Taylor Center. It will be the last home match for Minnesota State this season. The team will be celebrating Senior Night after Saturday's match. Minnesota State entered the weekend in ninth place in the NSIC standings. The top eight teams qualify for the conference tournament.
