BISMARCK, N.D. — The Minnesota State volleyball team (19-5, 11-5 NSIC) dominated the University of Mary (6-18, 3-13 NSIC) in a straight-set victory on Saturday, Nov. 1 at McDowell Activity Center. The No. 24-ranked Mavericks recorded a team season high of 16 service aces in the match, showcasing their exceptional performance. The victory marks Minnesota State's 19th win of the season, the program's highest total since 2011 when the team finished 20-9.
Jadyn Lester led the team with 38 assists, effectively setting up the offense. Senior
Emily Kern posted 11 kills with an impressive .625 hitting percentage, contributing significantly to the team's attack.
Morgan Bjella recorded five service aces while also achieving a perfect hitting percentage with one kill on one attempt. Freshman
Jaelyn LaPlante supported with 10 kills on 15 attempts, finishing with a .667 hitting percentage.
MSU opened the first set with a solid start, capitalizing on early errors from UMary to take a 2-1 lead. The visitors maintained their edge through the set, with Avery Rosenberg and
Avery Klein contributing key kills that kept the momentum on their side.
Mary Satori delivered three consecutive aces that helped the Mavericks extend their lead to 13-10. As the set progressed, Minnesota State continued to build on their advantage, with consistent play from Kern and LaPlante. The set concluded with a decisive kill from Rosenberg, securing a 25-15 victory for the Mavericks in the first set.
Minnesota State began the second set by gaining momentum through a service ace from the NSIC's leader in aces, Lester. Bjella further advanced MSU's advantage with two service aces before an error briefly halted their run. UMary attempted to counter with a few points, but the Mavericks continued to dominate. Rosenberg and Satori each secured key kills, propelling the team to a significant lead. Despite a late push by UMary, including a service ace and several kills, Minnesota State closed the set with a decisive kill by Kern, concluding the set at 25-17 in favor of the visiting team.
In the third set, the Mavericks quickly turned an early 2-0 deficit into a commanding lead. Rosenberg and Klein each contributed multiple kills, with Lester providing crucial assists to facilitate a 6-2 scoring run. The momentum continued with Ellie Kline's service ace and Kern's successive kills, pushing the lead to 11-5.
Madisen Miller extended the advantage with two service aces, complemented by more kills from Kern, increasing the gap to 18-9. Bjella's entry further bolstered Minnesota State's position, as she delivered two service aces, and Satori added consecutive kills. Despite a late push from UMary, the Mavericks closed the set decisively at 25-14, securing the victory.
"Great energy today from our team. We served exceptionally well," said Head Coach Corey Phelps. "It was nice to take care of business in an efficient way this weekend and I'm excited about the direction we're moving as a program. We have a lot of work to do to prepare for next weekend," Phelps adds.
In their next matchup, the Mavericks will host Parents Night against Bemidji State on Friday, Nov. 7 at Taylor Center. First serve is set for 6 p.m. CT.
