MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (5-0) defeated Chadron State (1-4) in straight sets at Taylor Center on Thursday night, highlighted by the home team's 11 service aces and 10 total team blocks.
Outsider hitter Mary Satori posted 13 kills and three aces while collecting 13 digs, contributing significantly to MSU's performance.
Ellie Kline and
Madisen Miller combined for an impressive 28 digs, ensuring MSU's defense was formidable throughout the match.
Jadyn Lester spearheaded the setting efforts with 35 assists and added four service aces.
Olivia Sturgis was critical at the net with a total of five blocks, maintaining an efficient .462 hitting percentage with seven kills.
The first set began with a strong surge by MSU, sparked by Emily Kern's three kills within the first seven points, quickly establishing a 5-1 lead. Chadron attempted to close the gap, but sustained offensive pressure, most notably from Lester with multiple assists and service aces, helped MSU extend their advantage to 18-6. Despite a brief rally by Chadron, Satori and Sturgis delivered decisive kills, leading MSU to a commanding 25-12 victory to open the match.
In the second set, MSU began with a service ace by Lester, setting the tone early against Chadron. Despite an early tie at 2-2, Chadron gained momentum with a pair of kills establishing a brief lead. However, MSU responded with a series of key plays, including consecutive blocks from Kern and Avery Klein, and a service ace by Satori, to regain the advantage at 8-6. Satori continued to be instrumental, serving two aces and assisting on several plays, as MSU extended their lead to 16-12. Chadron fought back, narrowing the gap to 23-21. MSU closed out the set 25-21, capitalizing on a Chadron setting error to secure the win.
In the third set, MSU opened with a strong performance, taking an early lead at 4-1 with contributions from Satori and Klein. A Chadron attack error and Satori's service ace helped solidify MSU's advantage. Chadron attempted to close the gap, but MSU's Sturgis and Kern powered through with key kills, extending the lead to 18-10. MSU maintained control, and Satori's kill put them at set point, leading to a decisive 25-16 victory for the home team.
Head Coach Corey Phelps stated that the team had a "solid win tonight and I love our aggressiveness from the service line." He adds the team is "doing a great job of keeping teams uncomfortable and winning the serve-pass game."
Minnesota State continues action at the Maverick Invite on Saturday, squaring off with Lake Superior State at 10 a.m. before returning to the Taylor Center for a 6 p.m. matchup against Quincy.
