Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Sioux Center, Iowa - Mayville State Comet Volleyball kicked off the 2024 season in Sioux Center, Iowa on Saturday.

The Comets played the Dordt Defenders in game one, falling 0-3. They bounced back and were able to beat William Penn in a five-set thriller to split on the day.

"It was great to get a win under our belts. It was nice to see players step up into big roles today as we played two matches back to back," said assistant coach, Elora Passa. "They fought hard as we tried new rotations to continue seeing what is going to work best for us moving forward."

vs. Dordt - L 0-3 (16-25, 12-25, 16-25)

Dordt started set one off with a strong series of points. The Comets struggled with a few errors and had difficulty gaining any momentum. The Comets attempted a comeback, but Dordt was able to go on a 4-0 run at the end, taking the set 25-16.

The Comets showed some resilience as they were able to keep things close in set two until Dordt was able to pull away mid-game. The Defenders capitalized on Comet errors taking the set 25-12.

In set 3, Mayville State started strong and things remained close with multiple lead changes. Dordt went on a 9-0 run by capitalizing on Comet service and attack errors; securing the sweep of the Comets.

Madison McKinnon and Samantha Passa both had 5 kills each. Tori Richter led the team in digs with 7 and Noelle Erickson led the team with 9 assists.

vs. William Penn - W 3-2 (25-16, 23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 16-14)

The game against William Penn was competitive, with both teams fighting through all five sets.

Set one was all Comets as they took a lead early and never lost it. They won the set 25-16.

William Penn looked to bounce back in set two but the Comets wouldn't make it easy. Down 22-19, the Comets were able to go on a 4-0 run to take a late lead at 23-22. However, two kills and a service ace would give William Penn three points in a row and took the set 25-23.

In set three, the Comets got an early lead once again and never lost it. They took the set 25-17.

Set four would be another thriller as William Penn started with an early lead but the Comets would inch their way back with a 6-1 run knotting the score at 23-23. William Penn was able to take the set 25-23.

Tied 2-2, the Comets headed into the 5th set looking to grab their first win of the season. It would come down to the wire as things were tied up at 14-14. William Penn would have an attack error and then Emily Condon would win the set with a service ace. 

"Against William Penn, we were able to get our offense going with more production from all areas of the front row. Madison McKinnon, Samantha Passa, and Abby Cox stepped up to score when we needed it," added Passa.

Abby Cox led the way with 12 kills; Samantha Passa and Madison McKinnon followed right behind with 11 each. Passa also had 19 digs. 

Tori Richter had 26 digs, 1 service ace, and 3 assists.  Noelle Erickson had 23 assists, 3 service aces, and 9 digs. Danica Hanson added 15 assists and 10 digs.

The Comets are now 1-1 on the season. They will have a weekend break before they head to the Siouxland Invitational in Sioux City, Iowa.

Mayville State will play four games on the weekend, starting off with Briar Cliff at 11:00am on Friday, August 30th.

For full schedule details please visit: https://msucomets.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule