Aberdeen, SD (NSUWolves.com) – The Wolves’ volleyball team completed the weekend sweep after beating MSU Mankato in straight sets. This is the seventh conference sweep for Northern as they move into fourth place in the NSIC standings.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 3, MSU 0
Records: NSU 15-6 (NSIC 10-3), MSU 8-13 (NSIC 6-7)
Attendance: 603
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Northern State swept Minnesota State with set scores of 28-26, 25-23, and 25-22
- The Wolves hit .300 as a team, recording 54 kills, 49 assists, 51 digs, six blocks, and three service aces
- After a tightly contested opening set, NSU secured the 28-26 win in extra points; the two teams were tied at 20-20 and traded points, until Katelyn Schroeder and Lydia Nelson closed out the frame with three straight kills
- The Wolves hit .378 in the second set, totaling 17 kills with just three attack errors to take a 2-0 lead in the match
- Down 20-23 in the second, Northern scored five consecutive points behind more Schroeder and Nelson kills to storm back and win 25-23
- In the final set, the Wolves started hot, jumping out to a 4-0 advantage; as the Mavericks fought back to take a late 21-20 lead, NSU took five of the next six points to end the match
- A balanced offensive effort featured three Wolves with 15 or more kills, led by Schroeder with 20; the others were Morissen Samuels and Nelson each with 15
- Schroeder hit .474 while adding 18 digs, two service aces, and 22.5 points; Samuels hit .378 and totaled 15.5 points, while Nelson added 15.5 points herself
- Anchoring the defense was Victoria Persha with six total blocks, including five block assists; Ashley Yost contributed 10 digs
- Ava Nilsson directed the offense with 44 assists and added 15 digs for a double-double
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Katelyn Schroeder: 20 kills, .474 attack %, 18 digs
- Morissen Samuels: 15 kills, .378 attack %, 15.5 PTS
- Ava Nilsson: 44 assists, 15 digs, 2 BA
- Lydia Nelson: 15 kills, 15.5 PTS, 1 BA; Nelson’s 15 kills are a new career high for the freshman.
UP NEXT
Northern State volleyball takes their momentum on the road as they matchup with No.7 Concordia-St. Paul next. Start time is at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 23 in St. Paul, Minn. at the Gangelhoff Center.