SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — No. 22 Minnesota State volleyball team (15-2, 7-2 NSIC) secured a four-set victory over Augustana University (8-9, 2-7 NSIC) on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Elmen Center. The Mavericks' strong serving performance, highlighted by eight aces, helped propel them to the win.
Jadyn Lester guided the Mavericks' offense with 46 assists and added four blocks in a strong all-around performance. Emily Kern led the attack with 16 kills and 19.5 points, while Avery Klein followed with 14 kills and 16 points. On defense, Ellie Kline contributed 21 digs to cap off a well-rounded team effort.
MSU established an early rhythm in the opening set with strong kills from Avery Rosenberg and Kern, both assisted by Lester. The teams traded points early, but consecutive scores from Kern and Rosenberg helped Minnesota State pull ahead. Midway through the set, the Mavericks kept their momentum with efficient attacks from Mary Satori and Addison Foor, while Rosenberg continued to apply steady offensive pressure. A late surge that included a service ace from Satori and several kills from Klein extended the Mavericks' lead. Despite a late push from Augustana, Minnesota State held its ground, with Klein delivering the final kill to close the set 25-20.
The Mavericks encountered early struggles in the second set, with attack errors allowing Augustana to take a brief lead. MSU quickly responded with a kill from Lester and a service ace by Satori to pull ahead 5-4. Strong plays from Klein and Kern kept the set competitive, while consistent scoring from Kern helped maintain pressure. Despite key kills from Foor and Kern down the stretch, Augustana's late surge proved decisive, as the Mavericks fell 25-22.
Minnesota State opened the third set with a focused offensive strategy, quickly taking control with kills from Satori and Foor. Klein contributed significantly, marking multiple kills that kept the momentum on their side. A key block by Kern and Lester further solidified their advantage. Despite a brief rally by Augustana, the Mavericks maintained composure, responding with decisive plays. Rosenberg and Lester added crucial points, extending the lead. The set concluded as the Mavericks secured the set with a 25-20 victory.
MSU started the fourth set strong, jumping out to a 4-1 lead behind a kill from Klein and a service ace by Lester. They maintained control with kills from Kern and key blocks from Kern and Satori to extend the lead to 9-6. Momentum continued to build as Rosenberg and Klein contributed offensively, pushing the score to 14-8. Despite a few service errors, consistent execution and solid defense helped Minnesota State widen the gap to 20-13. The Mavericks closed out the set confidently, taking advantage of Augustana's attack errors and adding service aces from Kern and Lester to finish 25-17 and secure the match.
"This was a really good rebound match for us," said Head Coach Corey Phelps. He adds "getting back to who we are was important. Augustana battled and showed us things we haven't seen, so to be able to take care of business in four sets in their house was great."
Up next, the Mavericks will host Winona State at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn., on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. Minnesota State will look to build on its momentum as it returns to home court.
