MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State Moorhead volleyball opened Saturday with a strong start but ultimately fell to Minnesota State, 3-1, in NSIC action at Taylor Center.
The Dragons claimed the opening set, 25-16, behind a .300 hitting percentage and 16 kills. MSUM built an early 12-7 advantage and maintained control throughout the set, closing it out on a kill from Sonja Lind.
Minnesota State responded by taking the second set, 25-19, before taking control of the match with a 25-17 win in the third. The Mavericks hit .457 in the third set while holding the Dragons to a .065 hitting percentage.
MSUM battled in the fourth set, but Minnesota State ultimately secured the match with a 25-23 victory.
Raiah Mandell led the Dragons offensively with 10 kills, while Maci Martini and Sonja Lind added seven kills apiece. Martini also contributed three service aces and a team-high 16 digs.
Madi Colby directed the MSUM offense with 20 assists, while Brooke Gillingham added 14. Kate Halvorson anchored the Dragons at the net with six blocks, and Lind added three.
As a team, MSUM recorded 42 kills, 10 aces, seven blocks and 64 digs. Minnesota State finished with 55 kills while hitting .232 for the match.
Up Next
The Dragons (10-8, 3-6 NSIC) return home for Homecoming weekend contests. The festivities begin against nationally-ranked Concordia-St. Paul on Friday at 6 p.m.
