ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Minnesota State volleyball team (16-4, 8-4 NSIC) fought hard in a road matchup Tuesday night, Oct. 21, but fell in three sets to St. Cloud State (15-5, 10-2 NSIC) at Halenbeck Hall. The Mavericks battled throughout the contest, finishing with a .100 hitting percentage against the Huskies' .354 offensive effort.

Avery Klein led the team with nine kills and added one service ace, totaling 10.5 points. Jadyn Lester contributed significantly with 18 assists, while also recording three digs. Ellie Kline made a defensive impact with a team-high 10 digs and one service ace. Madisen Miller added four assists and one service ace to her performance, complementing her seven digs.

In the first set, MSU faced an early challenge as the Huskies surged to a 4-0 lead. The Mavericks responded with a string of points, including kills from Lester and Klein, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Despite this effort, SCSU regained control, extending their lead to 11-4. Klein's continued offensive contributions, alongside a block by Emily Kern and Addison Foor, helped the Mavericks remain competitive, reaching a 19-11 scoreline. As the set closed, the Huskies maintained their momentum, securing the set 25-12. 

Minnesota State initiated the second set with a service error from St. Cloud State, leveling the score at 1-1. A block by Avery Rosenberg provided a brief advantage at 2-1. However, the Huskies quickly responded with a series of kills and an ace, taking a 5-2 lead. The Mavericks capitalized on multiple errors by the home team, narrowing the gap to 6-8. SCSU built momentum with a sequence of offensive plays, extending their lead to 15-7. Minnesota State's Lester and Mary Satori contributed with a kill and service ace, cutting the deficit to 10-15. Despite further efforts, including a service ace from Kline, the visitors trailed 21-15. Minnesota State continued to fight back, as Kern and Klein added points, but St. Cloud State maintained control. The set concluded with the Mavericks falling 25-17, as the Huskies closed out the set with consecutive blocks.

St. Cloud State opened the third set with a series of scoring plays, quickly establishing a 3-0 advantage. MSU responded with a kill by Rosenberg, putting them on the board at 3-1. Klein and Jaelyn LaPlante contributed crucial kills to keep the score competitive. Midway through the set, the Mavericks' defense, led by Kern and Satori, forced a Huskies attack error, narrowing the gap to 23-15. Miller's late service ace brought Minnesota State within seven points at 23-16. Ultimately, St. Cloud State maintained their lead, closing the set with a 25-17 win.

"This is the type of match that helps ground and refocus you as a team," said Head Coach Corey Phelps. "St. Cloud played very well in every phase and was ready to battle. Only losing to teams in the top-15 nationally says something about what we're doing as a program. We refocus and get back to work," adds Phelps. 

The Mavericks now turn their attention back home as they prepare to host Jamestown on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.