MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (8-0) maintained its perfect start to the season with a decisive 3-0 victory over Upper Iowa (0-8) on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Taylor Center. This match marked the 25th meeting between the two programs, with MSU now holding a dominant 21-4 advantage over the Peacocks.

Madisen Miller anchored the defense with 17 digs across three sets. Mary Satori led the offensive efforts with 12 kills on 34 swings, contributing a total of 12 points. Avery Rosenberg added 11 kills, setting a new career high, and posted three block assists. Jadyn Lester excelled in distribution, recording 29 assists and delivering four service aces.

The first set opened with Minnesota State swiftly gaining momentum, capitalizing on key errors from Upper Iowa to take an early 3-1 lead. Rosenberg and Avery Klein were instrumental defensively, combining for crucial blocks that disrupted the Peacocks' attack. Lester was instrumental, delivering steady assists and setting up Satori for a pivotal kill at 15-10 that kept MSU in front. The Mavericks closed the set strong, benefiting from a series of attack errors by UIU, to secure a 25-19 victory.

To start the second set, Minnesota State seized momentum by capitalizing on Upper Iowa's early attack errors, surging to a 7-2 lead with crucial help from Rosenberg. A key sequence unfolded when Lester assisted Olivia Sturgis and Jaelyn LaPlante for consecutive kills, sparking a run that extended Minnesota State's lead to 13-7. Satori continued to fuel the offense with four kills, while Lester added several assists and service aces to guide Minnesota State to a 25-15 set win.

Minnesota State opened the third set strongly against Upper Iowa, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead with Rosenberg securing two kills and Lester contributing with a service ace. Rosenberg consistently delivered throughout the set, with multiple kills contributing to a steady lead. Despite some resistance from Upper Iowa, Minnesota State's solid performance, including decisive kills by LaPlante and Sturgis, culminated in a 25-19 victory to seal the set.

"The game was a solid finish to the weekend and our preseason," said Head Coach Corey Phelps. "I am excited about the direction we're moving as a program into conference play."

The Mavericks are set to host the University of Mary at the Taylor Center on Friday, Sept. 19, with the match scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.



Maverick Invite All-Tournament Team
Chadron
#19 Mataya Ward

Crookston
#20 Carizma Muth

Minnesota State
#10 Jadyn Lester
#2 Avery Klein

Northern State
#7 Abby Brooks
#12 Natalia Szybinska

Quincy
#17 Susanna Beretti

Upper Iowa
#7 Morgan Block