MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State volleyball team (21-5, 13-5 NSIC) defeated Minnesota Duluth (17-8, 10-8 NSIC) in straight sets, on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Taylor Center. The No. 24-ranked Mavericks' blocking proved decisive, as they recorded 11 total team blocks compared to the No. 25 Bulldogs' five.
Middle blocker Avery Rosenberg led with 11.5 points, contributing 8 kills and a team-high 6 total blocks. Right side Avery Klein posted 12 kills and added 1 service ace, finishing with 14.5 points. Sophomore Jadyn Lester set up the offense with 32 assists while also serving 3 aces. Senior libero Ellie Kline recorded a team-high 15 digs, maintaining a solid defensive presence.
The first set opened with MSU and UMD trading points early. Minnesota State took control with a 6-0 run, highlighted by a service ace and kills from Klein and Mary Satori, bringing the score to 12-6. Midway through the set, Rosenberg and Emily Kern maintained the home team's momentum with key kills, pushing the score to 19-9. The Bulldogs' tried to rally her team with consistent kills, but the Mavericks held firm. The set concluded with a 25-16 victory for Minnesota State, ending on an attack error from UMD.
Minnesota State capitalized early in the second set on a strong service game to establish an early lead over the Bulldogs. Lester's back-to-back service aces helped the Mavericks to a 3-1 advantage, and Klein's consistent attacking, resulting in multiple kills, extended their lead to 19-13. Minnesota Duluth attempted a comeback, highlighted by a pair of kills, bringing the score to 21-20. However, Klein delivered the decisive kill on a set from Lester, securing the set for MSU with a final score of 25-21.
The third set featured a back-and-forth battle between the Mavericks and Bulldogs. The set started with an attack error by UMD, giving MSU the first point. However, service errors plagued both teams early on, leading to a tied score at 2-2. Kern and Rosenberg contributed key blocks and kills for the Mavericks, keeping the score close. As the set progressed, Minnesota State capitalized on Minnesota Duluth's errors, including a crucial service error, which put MSU at set point with a 24-23 lead. The set was marked by alternating momentum, ultimately giving the Mavericks a 25-23 victory.
"This was a great win for our program. It keeps us on track and shows our ability to execute at a high level even when emotions are running high," said Head Coach
Corey Phelps. "The senior class did a great job today as they have all season carrying the load and helping the team stay focused and grounded. I'm excited to finish the regular season the right way and see what's next," Phelps adds.
Minnesota State will hit the road to face MSU Moorhead on Friday, Nov. 14, with first serve set for 6 p.m. at Nemzek Fieldhouse. The contest can be streamed live on the NSIC Network.
