MARSHALL, MN – A tough road trip awaits the University of Mary volleyball team as they take on #7 Southwest Minnesota State University on Friday, October 11, at 6 pm in Marshall, MN. The Marauders then challenge Minnesota State University at Mankato, MN, on Saturday, October 12, at 2 pm.

FOLLOW LIVE
Fans can watch live or follow live stats at www.GoUMary.com/coverage

LAST TIME OUT
UMary (2-12, 0-6 NSIC) lost in an exciting close match against Winona State University, losing in five sets (25-19, 17-25, 27-25, 22-25, 15-13). Dani Highum had a team-best 14 kills, and Kaia Sueker recorded a season-best 23 digs against WSU. The Marauders were later swept by Concordia University, St. Paul, in their match.

STAT LEADERS
Charli Blackman leads the Marauders in kills with 131 and is second on the team in digs (141).

Kaia Sueker has the most digs on the team (214). She ranks 9^th in the NSIC in total digs and digs per set (4.28).

Maddy Freed has dished out the most assists with 458. Freed is 7^th in the conference in total assists and assists per set (9.16).

McKenna Kirkpatrick leads the team in blocks (36) and she is averaging 1.33 blocks per set.

Gabby Caskey is second on the team in blocks (30) and has the second most kills (112) on a team-leading .235 attack percentage.

OPPO RESEARCH – SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
SMSU is ranked 7^th in the nation, owning a 15-1 record overall and a 6-1 record in the Northern Sun. Senior outside hitter Saari Kuehl leads the Mustangs in kills (198) on a .237 hitting percentage. Freshman setter Sydney Thein has recorded 671 assists, which places her second in the NSIC.  Senior middle blocker Emma Vanheel leads the team with 60 blocks. Junior libero McKenzie Tolk leads SMSU in digs (310) as she ranks second in the conference.

OPPO RESEARCH – MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
MSU is 11-3 on the year and 3-3 in the NSIC. Senior outside hitter Toryn Richards leads the Mavericks in kills with 139. Senior middle blocker Kiya Durant has posted the most blocks (53) on the team. Junior defensive specialist Ellie Kline leads MSU in digs, recording 175 on the season thus far. Senior setter Brooke Bolwerk has dished out the most assists (273) on MSU.

MARAUDERS PICKED TO FINISH 12^TH IN THE NSIC
The 2024 NSIC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll projected the Marauders to finish 12^th in the Northern Sun this upcoming season. Last season, UMary took 12^th in the NSIC after finishing the season with a 9-19 record overall and a 4-14 record in conference action.

NSIC PLAYER TO WATCH
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced that returning fifth-year senior Maddie Cooper is the player to watch for UMary for the 2024 season. Cooper is the Marauders leading returner from last year in kills (204), kills per set (2.04), blocks (77), blocks per set (0.75), and hitting percentage (.230). The Fargo, ND, native also provided UMary with 24 serving aces and 50 digs last season.

THE STAFF
Abby Pollart returns for her fourth season as the head coach of Marauders Volleyball. Joining Pollart, also for her fourth season in the program, is assistant coach Bree Spenner, as well as Madeleine Callicoat in her first season as a Graduate Assistant Coach.

RETURNERS
The Marauders bring back ten returners from last year's team. Returning alongside Cooper are seniors Kayla Lewinski, McKenna Kirkpatrick, Reyna Isenbart, Robi Binagi, Chloe Lieser and Kaia Sueker. Other returners include junior Maddy Freed and sophomores Chloe Solheid and Karina Hixon.

NEW FACES
Coach Pollart and her staff added three transfers to the mix for the 2024 season. Jenna Lansing (Wartburg College), Gabby Caskey (McCook Community College) and Charli Blackman (Western Nebraska Community College) will each look to make an immediate impact. The 2024 freshman class includes Judith Burke, Aubrey Flynn, Holli Klettheimer, Natalie Boehmer, Shea Barron, Bailey Barnes and Dani Highum.

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