MANKATO, Minn. — The Minnesota State volleyball team (9-0, 1-0 NSIC) continued its impressive start to the season with a dominant 3-0 sweep over the University of Mary (3-6, 0-1 NSIC) on Friday night at the Taylor Center. The Mavericks controlled the match from start to finish, maintaining their perfect record and opening conference play on a strong note in front of their home crowd.

Avery Klein led the Mavericks with 11 kills on a .526 hitting percentage and added a service ace and three blocks. Jadyn Lester contributed significantly with 38 assists and five service aces, adding five kills on a .625 hitting percentage. Ellie Kline was crucial defensively, recording a team high recording 21 digs to anchor the back row. Avery Rosenberg finished with 11 kills and two block assists, adding depth to the team's offensive efforts. The Mavericks recorded 10 service aces, contributing significantly to their commanding performance.

In the first set, the Mavericks established an early advantage with Rosenberg and Jaelyn LaPlante both contributing key kills, aided by Lester's consistent assists. A pivotal moment came when Klein delivered a service ace, pushing the home team ahead 8-3. Despite a brief rally by the Marauders, Emily Kern's decisive kill, with the set-up from Lester, sealed the set 25-15, giving the Mavericks a commanding start.

Momentum briefly swung to the Marauders as they grabbed an early lead, but Minnesota State quickly regrouped. Rosenberg and Kern sparked a run with timely kills to knot the score at 3-3. From there, LaPlante delivered back-to-back kills that shifted momentum firmly in the Mavericks' favor, giving them an 8-6 advantage. With Lester continuing to distribute the ball with precision, the Mavericks pulled away for a commanding 25-16 set victory.

Rosenberg once again opened strong with a kill from Lester's set, and the Mavericks never looked back. Mary Satori's clutch service ace at 3-3 fueled a scoring burst that included another ace and a Marauders error, pushing the Mavericks ahead 5-3. Klein and Kern added key kills, while Lester controlled the pace with sharp distribution and even snuck in a late service ace at 23-16. Rosenberg capped the night with a kill to secure the 25-16 set win, completing the sweep.

Next up, MSU is set to face off against Minot State on Saturday, Sept. 20. The match will take place at the Taylor Center, with play beginning at 12 p.m.