MANKATO, Minn. — The No. 22-ranked Northern State (17-5, 9-5 NSIC) defeated No. 23 Minnesota State (17-5, 9-5 NSIC) 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Taylor Center. The Mavericks tallied 61 kills in the match, matching the Wolves' total but ultimately falling short.
Redshirt Junior, Mary Satori led the team with 16 kills on 31 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .484 and contributing 16.5 points. Setter Jadyn Lester set the pace with 58 assists, facilitating the team's offensive efforts. Emily Kern was a defensive standout with seven total blocks and added 15 points. Libero Ellie Kline provided a solid defensive presence, recording 25 digs over four games.
The match opened with Minnesota State taking the first serve, but an early service error handed Northern State the opening point. Avery Rosenberg quickly responded with a kill off a setup from Lester to even the score. Northern State then capitalized on a string of Maverick errors and efficient attacking to build a 7-2 advantage. MSU worked to chip away at the deficit with strong kills from Jaelyn LaPlante and Satori, followed by a service ace from Madisen Miller that brought the score to 11-6. Despite the rally, NSU maintained control with steady offensive execution and a service ace that extended their lead to 20-13. The Wolves closed out the set with a 25-15 win, leaving Minnesota State to regroup and make adjustments heading into the next frame.
The second set commenced with momentum swinging in favor of Minnesota State, as Rosenberg found a hole in the Wolves defense and Lester tallied a service ace. The Mavericks sustained their momentum with strong execution, highlighted by a block from Rosenberg and powerful kills from Satori. The home team led 10-6 after Kern contributed a block. Northern State narrowed the gap, capitalizing on a series of points to tie the game at 20-20. Despite the visitors' push, the Mavericks responded with key plays, including a service ace and critical kills by Avery Klein and Kern. The set remained intense with both teams exchanging leads. Minnesota State ultimately secured the set 29-27, closing with consecutive kills from Satori, assisted by Lester and Miller.
The third set began with a strong offensive showing from the Mavericks. Lester facilitated multiple scoring plays, helping the team maintain momentum despite Northern State closing the gap with a series of successful plays. MSU extended their advantage to 13-9 through a combination of opponent errors and strategic attacks by Rosenberg and Satori. As the set progressed, Northern State mounted a comeback, tying the score at 19-19 through a series of kills. Minnesota State responded with key points from Satori and Rosenberg to keep the score tight. The set remained closely contested, with each side exchanging leads once more. A late surge by NSU eventually secured them the set at 27-25 after capitalizing on key Minnesota State errors.
MSU entered the fourth set looking to shift the momentum in their favor. Despite an early service error, the Mavericks stayed within striking distance as Miller delivered a timely kill to make it 5-3. Minnesota State continued to apply pressure with a service ace from Lester and well placed kills by Satori and Rosenberg. Northern State responded with steady offense to widen the margin to 11-6. In the closing stages, the Mavericks fought back with determination as Kern and Satori combined for crucial blocks and kills to close the gap to 24-22. Despite the late surge, Northern State claimed the final point to take the set 25-22 and secure the match victory.
The next challenge for the Mavericks will be facing Minot State on Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. The match will take place at the Minot State Dome in Minot, N.D. The match can be streamed on the NSIC Network.
