Employing a new-look lineup, Northern State recorded a four-set victory over St. Cloud State Friday night.

The Wolves earned a 25-17, 25-17, 12-25, 25-19 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference volleyball win at Wachs Arena.

Northern’s strong serving and passing helped the Wolves control the opening two sets and keep St. Cloud out of system. The team also adjusted its rotation due to an injury to Linnea Nesheim, with Cara Cyr stepping in at middle and Lydia Nelson moving to the outside. Both players made an impact as Northern worked through lineup changes on a short turnaround.

NSU coach Brent Aldridge praised his team’s effort and ability to adjust throughout the match.

“These guys work extremely hard and the standard is the standard,” Aldridge said. “I thought Cara Cyr stepped in, I thought Lydia Nelson stepped up on the outside, and our passing and serving was really good and key to getting them out of system, so we didn’t have to deal with their quick.”

The Wolves struggled with errors in the third set, allowing the Huskies to gain momentum.

However, NSU regrouped and responded in the fourth set to secure the victory.

“We had a high error third set, but we came back and got back on track,” Aldridge said. “We had three days to work on our rotation without Linnea, it was a short turnaround.”

Sophomore outside hitter Katelyn Schroeder, who led team with 15 kills, said the team’s passing and execution were key factors in the early success. She also credited the adjustments the Wolves made after the third set.

“I think especially in the first two sets we passed really well. We executed well, we were touching balls on blocks; third set got a little rocky, but we brought it home in the fourth set,” Schroeder said. “We made some shifts in our rotation putting Cara in at middle and Lydia at the outside and they both executed very well.”

Junior setter Ava Nilsson also highlighted the team’s passing and offensive execution, noting how well the hitters capitalized on their opportunities.

“I think our passing was super on tonight and our hitters did a great job of terminating when they had to, and I think things were just clicking for us and we were playing well,” Nilsson said. “Cara stepped up in the middle, and we put Lydia on the outside and both of those two have been playing phenomenal.”

Aldridge credited Nilsson for handling the lineup changes and distributing the ball effectively while the Wolves adjusted to their new rotation. He emphasized that the victory was a complete team effort.

“I thought it was a really good team win where everyone contributed,” Aldridge said. “I thought Ava did a nice job of dealing the ball and handling the changes.”

Northern will look to carry that momentum into its next match against Minnesota State this afternoon at 1 at Wachs Arena.

Aldridge recognized the challenge ahead, pointing to the importance of serve-receive and defensive improvements as the Wolves prepare to face another strong opponent.

“We play a really good Mankato team (Saturday) and I just think if we can serve receive, we have the talent, we have the offense, but we have to defend a little better,” Aldridge said.

To see a complete box score, click on the following link:

https://nsuwolves.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2026/st-cloud-state/boxscore/14677