BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Minnesota State (0-1) fell to Emporia State (1-0) in a four-set match, concluding with scores of 15-25, 19-25, 25-18, and 18-25. The Mavericks recorded 10 team blocks in the effort, but the Hornets capitalized on their superior attacking percentage to secure the victory.
"It took us far too long to settle in and play," Head Coach
Corey Phelps said. "The excitement of a first big match was a bit much. Once we calmed down, we played very well. We'll reset and make some adjustments for tomorrows matches."
Avery Rosenberg led Minnesota State with nine kills and four total blocks, contributing 11 points.
Jadyn Lester facilitated the offense with 29 assists and added 10 digs, while serving two aces.
Olivia Sturgis was a defensive presence, recording five total blocks and six kills.
Avery Klein added three service aces and four digs to her performance.
Minnesota State started the first set on a strong note, capitalizing on an attack error from Brailee Bogle to take the initial lead. Rosenberg contributed with a kill, enabling the Mavericks to keep the score close early on. However, the Hornets responded with a series of successful plays, including kills from Delainee Dexter and Emma Klett, which shifted momentum in their favor.
The Mavericks managed to disrupt the opponent's rhythm briefly, with Sturgis and Klein securing key points through blocks and attacks. Despite these efforts, the Hornets' consistent scoring, highlighted by Lavra Krizanic's kills, allowed them to extend their lead. The set concluded with the Hornets winning the set 25-15.
In the second set, the Hornets began with a strong opening, building an early lead with a service ace and several successful kills. The Mavericks responded with a kill from Rosenberg and capitalized on a Hornets attack error to close the gap slightly. Despite this, the Hornets maintained momentum, extending their advantage with a series of kills and service aces.
Minnesota State attempted to shift momentum with a kill by
Addison Foor and a block by Rosenberg and Klein, but the Hornets continued their scoring drive. Toward the end of the set,
Lily Riese and Sturgis contributed with key plays, including a block that cut into the Hornets' lead. However, the Hornets sealed the set with a final kill, closing it 25-19.
Minnesota State began the third set with a service ace by Lester, setting the tone early. Despite a brief scoring run by the Hornets, which included a service ace and several key attacks, Minnesota State quickly responded. Riese followed with a service ace, and a crucial block by Klein and Rosenberg tightened the gap.
As the set progressed, Rosenberg delivered four consecutive points, including three kills, propelling the Mavericks into the lead. The team maintained momentum with a string of blocks and service aces from Klein, extending their advantage. In the closing moments, Riese and Foor contributed with decisive kills, while Lester's block ended the set with Minnesota State securing a 25-18 victory.
In the fourth set, the Hornets gained early momentum with a series of points, including a service ace from Dexter, establishing a lead. The Mavericks responded with key kills by Klein and
Kyla Klein, narrowing the gap to 8-5. However, the Hornets maintained their advantage with consistent plays from Krizanic, extending their lead to 18-8.
Minnesota State attempted a comeback with a series of points, including a service ace by Lester and blocks by Rosenberg and Klein, reducing the deficit to 18-12. Despite the Mavericks' efforts, the Hornets secured the set with a late service ace by Miyu Tsurumaki and a block to close the set 25-18, finalizing the match.
Up next for the Mavericks is a match against Purdue Northwest on Friday at 10 a.m. CT. The match will take place at Ewigleben Sports Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.
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