by Dax Larson
October 25, 2005
Defense wins games. Usually.
Saturday, the Minnesota State volleyball team pulled out a win in a defenseless match.
In a conference match-up with St. Cloud State, the Mavericks and the Huskies were all offense. MSU blocked well and attacked well, but had one of its worst defensive outings of the season.
“They were a dangerous team because they had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” head coach Dennis Amundson said. “They forced us to play all day long, which is good for our team.”
Game 1 and 3 went to the Huskies and MSU pulled out a victory in between. In both Game 1 and 2, the score was tied at 29. The Mavericks lost game three 30-28.
Before the fourth game, Amundson moved junior Mandy Reuter into the libero position.
“Mandy is our best passer,” Amundson said. “She has to be on the court somewhere.”
The libero is a defensive specialist and stays in the backcourt. The libero is on the court at almost all times and is an important player for team success.
“I’m willing to do whatever to get the win,” Reuter said. “I feel comfortable there. It felt good.”
MSU dominated Game 4 and 5 to take the match win, but learned they have to play better defense if they want to succeed in the NCC — especially against University of Minnesota Duluth, their next conference opponent.
“We have to play tougher defense,” Reuter said. “We should know what they are bringing to us.”
Freshman Ashley Nachreiner led the assault with 23 kills and picked up 12 digs. Senior Tiffany Graham had 19 kills. Sophomore Stef Sandstrom had 57 set assists and 12 digs.
The Mavericks’ record against ranked teams this season is 0-4.
Next up for MSU is a non-conference home game against Upper Iowa 7 p.m. Thursday at the Taylor Center. Saturday, the Mavericks travel to Duluth to take on UMD. In their last meeting, the Bulldogs defeated MSU 3-1 at the Taylor Center.
