Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. – Northern State University took a 25-22 first set win over 11th ranked Minnesota State, Mankato before the Mavericks rebounded to shut down the Wolves 25-14, 25-18, 25-13 in the final three sets to claim the 3-1 match victory Saturday afternoon in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference volleyball action. 

The loss, the second straight to a nationally ranked conference team for the Wolves, drops NSU to an even 7-7 on the year and 2-4 in league play.  The Mavericks moved to 15-2 overall and an unblemished 5-0 mark in the loop.

MSU used a trio of big hitters and 12 team blocks along with a 50-assist performance from setter Brittany Stamer to keep the Wolves at bay.  Amanda Beekman and Kimber Kuhl combined for 29 kills and six blocks, while Ally Kwikkel added 10 kills and got in on four stuffs for the Mavericks.

NSU countered with 14 kills from junior Jordan Schaffer and six blocks from junior Whitney Morsching.  The Wolves, however, were unable to stem the tide after the second set, compiling just a 0.47 side out percentage through the final three sets.

The Wolves found themselves down 7-1 to open the match, but staged a late comeback effort to take the win.  NSU claimed 8 of 9 points down the stretch to tie the game at 21, and then took four of the last five points to take the win.

Minnesota State then dug in their heels, running away with the final three sets and the eventual match win.

NSU returns home next weekend to host Winona State and Upper Iowa on Friday and Saturday, respectively, in a pair of NSIC matches.  Friday's contest is slated for 7 p.m., while first serve on Saturday is set for 4 p.m.