MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State (5-7) travels to North Dakota this week, first to Bismarck to take on the University of Mary Marauders (4-8) on Friday September 29 at 6 p.m., then to Minot to take on the Beavers (2-10) Saturday at 10 a.m.
About the Mavericks:
The Mavericks have had a tough start to conference play, losing all four of their matches against NSIC opponents. The team hopes to turn those struggles around this week. Senior leader Sophie Tietz leads the Mavericks with 108 kills and 21 aces this season, which ranks fourth in the NSIC. She is also tied for second with Emily Kern in blocks with 43. Kiya Durant is the blocks leader for Minnesota State, though, recording 47 already this season. The three-headed monster of Kern, Durant and Tietz are each in the top 10 in the NSIC in blocks. Durant is second on the team in kills with 92 and fifth in the conference in hitting percentage with a .357. Sophomore libero Ellie Kline has 188 digs so far this season, holding the eighth spot on the NSIC digs leader list.
About the Marauders:
UMary is also 0-4 to begin conference play. The Marauders are led by Ally Gruber and Nehkyah Ellis in kills, as they’ve combined for nearly 220 kills. The team has five players with over 100 digs this season, including Gruber and Ellis, Kameron Selvig, Chloe Lieser and team digs leader Kaia Sueker. Selvig is the team’s assists leader with 321. Lieser leads the squad in aces with 15. Maddie Cooper is the Marauders’ blocks leader, recording 35 so far this season. UMary is coached by third-year head coach Abby Pollart. The Marauders have never beaten the Mavericks in the 20 matchups between the two teams.
About the Beavers:
The Beavers are the only team of the three to win a game against an NSIC opponent, as they defeated Minnesota-Crookston in five sets, 3-2 last Friday. Despite this, they are only 2-10 to start the season. Minot State is led by Maggie Machado, who has 80 kills, 10 blocks, nine service aces and 101 digs. Bailee Brommenschenkel is another Beaver to look out for; the junior leads the team in blocks with 23 and also has 72 kills. Jaina Macaulay has 191 assists this season. Kendal Braun is both the digs and aces leader, with 174 and 17, respectively. The Beavers are coached by Alex Lehocky, who was named the head coach in 2021. The Mavericks are 11-1 against Minot State, having won 10 straight matchups against the Beavers.
