GOLDEN, Colo. -- In day two of the Oredigger Classic, Midwestern State started bright and early to kick off the the day versus the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.). Unfortunately, it did not fall the way the Mustangs had hoped as they were downed in three sets (18-25, 20-25, 16-25). This puts the team at 0-3 for the tournament and the start of the 2021 campaign.

"We just have to trust our training and serve aggression while holding down serve receive," said Head Coach Valerie Armstrong after the match.

Aggressive serving is one thing the team did improve upon after not registering a single service ace in their first day of competition. Freshmen Madison Becker was a big part in the second day surge by gaining four in the match against the Cougars. The defensive specialist also recorded six digs.

Sophomore Lauryn Bourne added an ace and also led MSU with seven kills in the game. This puts her total for the year at 30 and an average of 3 per set.

Kaitlynn Stoker was close behind with six kills to her name and one block assist. Her total lies at 22 for the year.

Senior Taylor Anderson had another big match on the net, notching three block assists to total ten in four games. Anderson added two kills and co-led the team in attack percent (0167).

Alex Serna shared the feat by grabbing three kills in six attempts for 3.5 points for Midwestern State. Fellow freshman Amy DeWalt made five digs.

From the setting spot, Autumn Roach commanded against with 11 assists against USF. Kaitly Masseth came next with seven.

For the Cougars, Averey Yaksich tallied 18.5 points through 16 kills and three block assists to top both teams. Collectively, USF registered a 0.368 hitting percent against the Mustangs.

"We will learn, refocus and battle again later today," said Armstrong.

Midwestern State hits the court again at 3:30 p.m. CT against Seattle Pacific in their final match of the Oredigger Classic. The Falcons are also 0-3 so it will be a good battle to see who comes out on top. The Mustangs fourth match takes place at Lockridge Arena in Golden, Colo., with live stats and video available online.