Fall sports kicks off for the Mavericks
After a summer in hiatus, the Maverick sports teams look to bring the heat this fall sports season.
Aaron Young
Staff Writer
With summer over, summer ending, and school beginning, the fall sports season is finally in full gear. The volleyball and soccer are ready to kick-off their respected season, with the golf team and football teams also beginning to practice and prepare for their first matchups of the season.
For the volleyball team this year, which wrapped up their opener in the University of Southern Indiana (USI) Invitational against Ohio Dominican. They swept the Panthers in three sets and improve their record to 4-0. The Mavericks started out strong in the first set, winning 25-13.
The next two were a lot closer. 25-22 and 25-20. Juniors Morgan Olson and Joie Veldman were the stars of the night, combining for 26 Kills, 3 blocks and 2 aces. The Mavericks face the Truman State Bulldogs on Friday.
From volleyball to soccer, the team also found success before the season begins. The girls won all their exhibitions, beating both UW-Lacrosse and Gustavus Adolphus 4-0. On Sunday, they defeated Luther 6-0. The Mavericks are the #1 ranked team in the NSIC conference and #20 nationally, to begin the year. This Thursday, they take on Sioux Falls at home to kick off the year.
The men’s golf team is also projected to have a successful season. The squad is ranked #1 in this year’s NSIC golf poll. Led by last year’s coach of the year, Bryant Black, the team is looking to 5-peat this year, That’s unprecedented. With four championships in four years, the Mavericks have made the NCAA postseason tournament 17 times since 1970.
Two key players to look out for are seniors J.J Svac and Matt Bennett. Svac led the team with a 75.3-mark last year, with Bennett right behind.
Other golfers include Bryce Thompson, Ethan Krause, along with many transfers including Nick Dittrich and Ben Dirck. The golf team travels to Missouri for the Central Missouri Mule Invitational on September 10th, to begin the year.
Finally, the team that will make the most fireworks, the Minnesota State football team. The team with the biggest following kicks off the year with a home game against Southwest Minnesota State at 6:05 PM this Thursday night under the lights of Blakeslee Stadium.
The team comes into the year ranked #1 in the D2Football.com Preseason Poll, and third in AFCA’s poll. The most exciting news as of late is the announcement of Lavell Jackson as defensive backs coach. Jackson has quite the resume for coaching. He has been the defensive coordinator and associate head coach for Bethany College, and was the defensive backs coach for Missouri Valley College.
This fall looks to be an exciting one for the Mavericks sports teams this fall. Whether you’re into spiking, kicking, driving, or throwing the ball this season, there is almost always going to be something worth watching this season.
Feature photo: Keyshawn Davis and his teammates walking onto the field for the Mavericks’s spring game back in April. The Mavericks open the season at home this Thursday against the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs @ 6:05PM under the lights at Blakeslee Stadium. (Photo by Mansoor Ahmad | MSU Reporter)