BISMARCK, ND – The University of Mary volleyball team wrapped up the home weekend Saturday in the MAC against the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs. Although the Marauders would show resilient effort and come points within taking sets from the #8 team in the AVCA NCAA DII poll, the Mustangs would still prevail in close contests three sets to none (25-23, 25-16, 31-29).
 
UMary (3-16, 2-9 NSIC) would see a great start to the match behind Nehkyah Ellis and Robi Binagi leading the attack and trading off the lead with the Mustangs (17-2, 9-2 NSIC). The Marauders would appear to control the pace as set one carried on, holding a lead of 21-16 late. The Mustangs would rally to gain the next five points and lock up with the Marauders at a 23-23 score before a kill by Karli Arkell and an attack error by UMary would clinch the first set for SMSU.
 
The Mustangs would start set two in dominating fashion, gaining the first eight points and jumping out to a 21-5 lead. However, the Marauders refused to yield as they would score the next seven points and fought hard to get within reach with a 23-16 score late in the set. A pair of kills by Meg Schmidt and Emma VanHeel would halt the Marauders efforts giving the Mustangs a 2-0 advantage.
 
The third set would be the highlight of the match for UMary. Behind big plays by McKenna Kirkpatrick and Nehkyah Ellis, the Marauders would rush out of the gates to an 8-2 lead early and hold a comfortable lead as the third set carried on. The Marauders had five set-point opportunities but a tough comeback by the Mustangs plus two challenge calls favoring SMSU gave the visitors the third and final set 31-29.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Robi Binagi would have another career day hitting 11 kills and digging up 10 balls for a double-double and ND Petroleum Foundation player of the game honors.
 
Nehkyah Ellis posted a team-high 12 kills while adding eight digs and two ace serves.
 
McKenna Kirkpatrick was a force at the net, getting seven big blocks for the Marauders while also adding two aces and two kills.
 
Maddy Freed paced the Marauders with 34 assists, her 2^nd highest total in a match so far this season.
 
Kaia Sueker led the Marauders in digs with 14.
 
NEXT UP
The UMary volleyball team will head south on the road next weekend with another pair of formidable NSIC opponents. On Friday, October 14, the Marauders will play Wayne State College, the undefeated #1 ranked team in the AVCA DII poll. UMary will then make a stop in Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, October 15, to play Augustana University.
 
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