Despite jumping out to a 2-0 match advantage, St. Cloud State Volleyball (12-10, 8-8) fell in an exhilarating five sets to Minnesota State-Mankato (16-9, 9-7) on Saturday, 25-22, 25-18, 21-25, 25-27, and 9-15.

Five straight errors by the Huskies late in the third set turned the match on its head, putting Mankato in the driver’s seat and killing all of SCSU’s momentum. The Huskies committed 31 attacking errors to Kato’s 23, helping the Mavs to outhit St. Cloud State .195 to .136.

Micah Nier had a career day for the Huskies, notching career marks with 15 kills on .394 hitting and 7 digs, while adding 3 blocks and an ace. Linsey Rachel double-doubled with 19 kills and 24 digs, Abby Templin put up 11 kills and Mara Mulso hit .241 on her way to 9 terminations. Rachel Houle dug out a career-high 18, and Clara Krenz chipped in 24 digs.

Morgan Olson led Kato with 21 kills and 6 blocks on .314 hitting, while Alivia Garbe finished with 15 kills and 25 digs for a double-double. Anissa Janzig and Ashton Lee each hit better than .300 with 9 kills a piece. Libero Mara Quam recorded 31 digs.

St. Cloud State continues their road trip on Friday with a match in the Nemzek Fieldhouse at Minnesota State University-Moorhead at 6:00 p.m. on the KVSC Sports Stream.

Box Score