The Minnesota State volleyball team is set to open its 2026 season at the Ferris State Invitational from August 27-29 in Big Rapids, Michigan. The Mavericks start their campaign with a match against Emporia State on Thursday and face Purdue Northwest and MSU Denver on Friday. The weekend concludes with a match against the host, Ferris State, on Saturday. Entering the season, the Mavericks seek to build on a strong 2025 where they ended with a 23-6 overall record and a fourth-place finish in the NSIC.

By the Numbers
  • The Mavericks finished the 2025 season with a 23-6 overall record (15-5 NSIC).
  • Junior Avery Klein led the team with 292 kills last season.
  • MSU Denver enters the season ranked No. 3 in the AVCA Preseason Poll.
Yes, But

While the Mavericks had strong individual performances, the competition is tough, with several opponents carrying strong records and championship aspirations, including the reigning national champions, MSU Denver.

State of Play
  • The Mavericks are ranked sixth in the NSIC Preseason Poll.
  • New transfers and freshmen are expected to make immediate impacts on the roster's depth.
What's Next

After the Ferris State Invitational, the Mavericks aim to carry momentum into their subsequent matches, while leveraging the experience gained against strong opponents to bolster their performance in the NSIC.

Bottom Line

The Mavericks must capitalize on their talent and teamwork to navigate a challenging schedule, particularly against formidable rivals, to achieve their goal of surpassing last season's success.