ROLLA, Mo. — Minnesota State (4-0, 0-0 NSIC) maintained its perfect record with a commanding 3-0 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State University (1-2, 0-0 GAC) on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Gibson Arena.

Junior outside hitter Mary Satori fueled the Mavericks with 17 kills and eight digs, matching her career high with nine kills in a single set to cap off a dominant performance. Emily Kern contributed significantly at the net with six total blocks and two service aces. Avery Klein efficiently posted seven kills with a .583 hitting percentage in the match. 

The first set opened with a back-and-forth battle, as the Rangers claimed an early 5-1 lead. The Mavericks responded with a decisive 6-0 run, generated by kills from Kern and Satori, to seize a 10-9 advantage. With the score tied at 19-19, Satori showcased her offensive skills with critical kills, and she closed the set with a decisive attack from a Jadyn Lester assist, securing a 25-22 victory for MSU.

The Mavericks carried that momentum into the second set, jumping ahead 5-0 behind a service ace from Lester and a block from Kern and Satori. Klein later added a service ace at 11-4, contributing to a dominant stretch. Despite some resistance from the Rangers, the Mavericks maintained control, highlighted by a kill from Olivia Sturgis at 23-12. Lester sealed the frame with a kill assisted by Ellie Kline, giving Minnesota State a 25-14 win.

The third set began with Minnesota State responding immediately, as Klein's early kill evened the score at 1-1 and set the tone for the frame. Midway through the set, Kern delivered a service ace at 10-7, and the Mavericks capitalized on attack errors by Northwestern Oklahoma State to extend their advantage. MSU closed out the set with authority, taking it 25-16 on a Kern kill set up by Lester.

Head Coach Corey Phelps praised the team's progress. "After a slow start in the first week, we found a rhythm and executed well," Phelps stated. "I'm proud of the grit we showed when we needed it. Overall, it was a great start to the season."

For their efforts across the four matches in Rolla, both Satori and Lester were named to the Missouri S&T All-Tournament Team.

Up next, Minnesota State hosts Chadron State in the Maverick Volleyball Invite at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minn., on Thursday, Sept. 11, with first serve scheduled for 7:30 p.m.