BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Minnesota State (1-2) fell to MSU Denver (2-1) in straight sets, 19-25, 20-25, 18-25, at Ewigleben Sports Arena on Friday evening. The Mavericks registered 31 kills during the match, with their most efficient set coming in the third at a .243 hitting percentage.
"This is the type of match we got into this tournament for," Head Coach
Corey Phelps said. "Competing with some of the best teams and learning how we can elevate our execution while growing our focus and discipline. In matches like this the team who serves and passes best typically wins. That was the case tonight. MSU Denver controlled both sides of the ball. We fought hard and learned how to navigate pressure situations better. These are the moments that will come back to benefit us in November. We'll reset and give Ferris all we have tomorrow."
Jadyn Lester showcased her playmaking skills for the Mavericks, distributing 24 assists while also contributing nine digs.
Avery Rosenberg led the attack with eight kills on 21 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .286.
Avery Klein was effective from the service line, delivering three aces and collecting eight digs.
Olivia Sturgis added six kills with a .455 hitting percentage, helping the team's offensive efforts.
The first set began with Minnesota State and MSU Denver exchanging early points, highlighted by Rosenberg's effective kills, assisted by Lester. Despite early momentum, the Mavericks faced a tough challenge from MSU Denver, who capitalized on service errors and strong plays by GabriElle Brewer and Kamdyn Scott.
A mid-set surge by Rosenberg and Sturgis, with consistent assists from Lester, kept Minnesota State competitive, reducing the deficit to 19-18. However, MSU Denver's Hayden Liebsack delivered crucial service aces, extending its advantage late in the set.
Minnesota State continued to press, narrowing the gap again to 20-19, but MSU Denver closed the set with another series of aces from Liebsack, finishing 25-19. The home team took the first set lead.
In the second set, Minnesota State began with a strong defensive stand, capitalizing on three consecutive attack errors by MSU Denver to establish an early 3-0 lead. Klein then delivered two service aces, helping the Mavericks regain the lead at 8-7 after an initial scoring surge by MSU Denver.
As the set progressed, both teams exchanged points with neither side able to sustain a decisive run. Minnesota State benefited from key kills by
Lily Riese and Sturgis, keeping the score tied at several points. However, MSU Denver managed to pull ahead in the latter stages through effective attacks, eventually closing the set at 25-20.
Minnesota State started the third set with an early advantage as
Addison Foor and Rosenberg recorded kills to push the score to 3-1. However, MSU Denver responded with a run, highlighted by Brooke Gennerman and Mayah Pridgett, to take a 6-3 lead.
A brief rally by the Mavericks, including a kill from Klein, narrowed the gap to 8-7. Despite efforts from Riese and Lester, MSU Denver extended its lead with key plays from Liebsack and service aces.
Minnesota State fought back with contributions from Riese and Klein to keep the match competitive at 21-15. The home team ultimately closed the set with decisive kills, sealing a 25-18 victory.
The next challenge for the Mavericks will be against Ferris State on Saturday. The match is set for 12:30 p.m. at the Ewigleben Sports Arena in Big Rapids, Mich.
