BISMARCK, N.D. – The Minnesota State Moorhead volleyball team put together a commanding performance Friday night. The Dragons swept the University of Mary 3-0 at the McDowell Activity Center, winning by scores of 25-20, 25-12 and 25-13.
After a competitive opening set, MSUM found another gear and never looked back. The Dragons opened the match with an impressive offensive showing, recording 17 kills and hitting .300 in the first set. Mya Pfeifer and Raiah Mandell helped lead the charge as MSUM pulled away for a 25-20 victory.
MSUM limited Mary to just four kills in the frame while forcing five attack errors, holding the Marauders to a -.045 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, the Dragons continued to find their rhythm offensively, collecting 15 kills and hitting .294 to cruise to a 25-12 win and take a 2-0 lead.
The Dragons kept the pressure on in the third set, once again making life difficult for the Mary offense. The Marauders managed just six kills and hit -.056, while MSUM closed out the sweep with a 25-13 decision.
Pfeifer was a force throughout the night, leading all players with 12 kills while hitting an outstanding .579. She also contributed six blocks to finish with a match-high 15 points. Mandell added 10 kills and hit .500, while Leah Laqua chipped in seven kills on an efficient .467 hitting percentage.
The Dragons controlled the net, finishing with eight total blocks compared to seven for Mary. Pfeifer's six blocks led the way, while Ava Wild and Brielle Riess each added four block assists. MSUM also found success from the service line, recording seven aces. Ellie Keuseman paced the Dragons with three aces, while Maci Martini added two.
Brooke Gillingham led the setting effort with 17 assists, and Madi Colby added 13. Colby moved into ninth all-time in career set assists with the performance. Keuseman also anchored the back row with 12 digs, while Martini contributed eight. Martini's career total moved to 982 in the Dragon victory.
The statistical difference was substantial. MSUM outhit Mary .283 to .033, more than doubled the Marauders' kill total (45-21) and finished with a 60-32 advantage in points.
Up Next
The Dragons (13-13, 6-11 NSIC) travel north to take on Minot State tomorrow beginning at noon.
