BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Minnesota State (1-1) swept Purdue University Northwest (0-1) in straight sets, 3-0, on Friday at Ewigleben Sports Arena. The Mavericks recorded a .362 hitting percentage and tallied 11 service aces to secure the victory.
"What a difference a day makes," Head Coach
Corey Phelps said. "Our focus, discipline, and urgency were noticeably better this morning. We've got a few hours to recover before taking on the defending national champs. Looking forward to the challenge."
Jadyn Lester excelled as the primary setter for Minnesota State, recording 37 assists while maintaining a perfect hitting percentage with three kills on three attempts.
Avery Rosenberg led the offensive charge with 11 kills on 17 attempts, achieving a .647 hitting percentage and contributing two blocks.
Olivia Sturgis added 10 kills on 16 swings with a .563 hitting percentage, also contributing three block assists.
Savannah Meyer was pivotal in defense, collecting 11 digs and scoring three service aces.
Minnesota State initiated the first set with a service ace from Lester, setting an early tone. However, Purdue Northwest responded with a series of points, briefly taking the lead. The Mavericks' defense stabilized with crucial blocks by
Avery Klein and Rosenberg, allowing the team to regain momentum.
Midway through the set, Sturgis spearheaded a significant run with four consecutive kills, all assisted by Lester, propelling the Mavericks ahead. The team extended its lead through a combination of service aces from Klein and
Addison Foor, coupled with effective offensive plays by
Lily Riese.
As the set concluded, the Mavericks maintained their lead, securing a 25-16 victory. The team capitalized on errors from Purdue Northwest while sustaining a strong offensive presence to close the set decisively.
Minnesota State opened the second set strong, with Lester contributing an early kill and assist. The team-maintained momentum as Sturgis and Rosenberg added crucial kills, helped by Lester's consistent setting. A series of attack errors by Purdue Northwest allowed the Mavericks to keep a slim lead.
In the middle portion of the set, the Mavericks increased their advantage with a service ace from Foor and successful blocks by Riese and Rosenberg. The team extended its lead through a balanced effort, with contributions from multiple players, including a key service ace by Meyer.
Minnesota State closed the set effectively, capitalizing on errors from Purdue Northwest and maintaining consistent scoring. Riese delivered the final blow with a decisive kill, securing a 25-18 set win for the Mavericks.
In the third set, the Mavericks capitalized on a strong performance from Rosenberg, who contributed multiple key kills and an ace, helping to shift momentum in their favor. Riese and Sturgis also delivered important kills, allowing the Mavericks to recover from an early deficit and pull ahead.
Defensively, Foor and Sturgis teamed up for a crucial block that helped halt Purdue Northwest's scoring. Lester's consistent setting facilitated the offense, leading to a string of successful plays that built a lead for the Mavericks. The set concluded with the Mavericks securing a 25-21 victory, maintaining their advantage to close out the match.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks are set to face MSU Denver today at 4:30 p.m. CT. The match will take place at Ewigleben Sports Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.
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