Friday, October 24
St. Cloud, Minn.
6 p.m.
St. Cloud State
vs
#22 Northern State
Photo by: Kayden Kircher
No. 11 St. Cloud State Volleyball Hosts No. 22 Northern State, Jamestown During Homecoming Weekend
10/23/2025 4:04:00 PM | Volleyball
Huskies play Wolves Friday at 6 p.m., Jimmies Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – No. 11 St. Cloud State Volleyball (15-5 overall, 10-2 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) finishes its three-match homestand with a pair of matches at Halenbeck Hall during Homecoming weekend. The Huskies host No. 22 Northern State (16-4, 8-4 NSIC) on Friday at 6 p.m. and Jamestown (9-10, 4-8 NSIC) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
FOLLOW THE HUSKIES
The matches will be streamed live for free on the NSIC Network. Additionally, fans can listen to the matches on the KVSC Sports Stream. KVSC talent Reece Powell will be calling the action on Friday and Luke Paider will have the call on Saturday. Live stats will be provided by SCSU and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Match 21 – vs. #22 Northern State (Halenbeck Hall // St. Cloud) – Friday, Oct. 24 / 6 p.m. / Watch (NSIC Network) / Live stats / Listen (KVSC Sports Stream)
Match 22 – vs. Jamestown (Halenbeck Hall // St. Cloud) – Saturday, Oct. 25 / 2:30 p.m. / Watch (NSIC Network) / Live stats / Listen (KVSC Sports Stream)
Links to each coverage option can also be found on the St. Cloud State Volleyball schedule page.
MATCH DAY PROMOTIONS
Friday, Oct. 24 vs. #22 Northern State
Promotion: Homecoming / Alumnae Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. Jamestown
Promotion: Homecoming / Alumnae Weekend
HOME SWEET HALENBECK
SCSU Volleyball has enjoyed tremendous success in the friendly confines of Halenbeck Hall, going 67-10 (.870) in its last 77 home matches. The Huskies are 8-2 at home this season.
SERIES HISTORY
SCSU is 16-23 all-time against Northern State but is on an eight-match win streak over the Wolves, including a sweep in Aberdeen on September 27. Prior to the Huskies run of eight straight, NSU had won the last 12 matchups. SCSU is 9-7 all-time against the Wolves in Halenbeck Hall.
The Huskies are 5-0 all-time against Jamestown (all sweeps) but have only played the Jimmies in once before in NSIC play. Prior to the match earlier this season on September 26, all of the previous matchups were neutral site matches from 1985-1988.
LAST TIME OUT
The No. 11 Huskies swept No. 23 Minnesota State at Halenbeck Hall on Tuesday evening.
Notes from the match
3-0 win vs. #23 Minnesota State (10-21-25)
(as of 10/22)
(as of 10/22)
The Huskies were ranked No. 11 in the Oct. 20 (week seven) American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/TARAFLEX Division II Poll, holding onto the same spot from the previous poll.
Under the direction of Head Coach Chad Braegelmann, the program has been ranked for 76 consecutive weeks (including 47 weeks in the top 10), dating back to the 2019 season. The Huskies have spent a total of 150 weeks in the AVCA top 20/25 Poll in program history, including 72 weeks in the top 10.
SCSU in the 2025 AVCA DII National Poll
#3 – Preseason
#10 – Week One
#16 – Week Two
#15 – Week Three
#13 – Week Four
#10 – Week Five
#11 – Week Six
#11 – Week Seven
31 IN A ROW
SCSU had its 31-match win streak against NSIC opponents that dated back to 2024 snapped on October 11 after being defeated by then-No. 11 Wayne State in a thrilling back-and-forth five set match. Prior to Saturday, the Huskies were off to an 8-0 start in conference play this season after going 23-0 against NSIC teams in 2024. Last season SCSU went 18-0 in conference play, 1-0 in nonconference play, 3-0 in the NSIC Tournament and 1-0 in the NCAA tournament against NSIC opponents.
NSIC SPOTLIGHT
Redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) was featured on the fifth episode of the 2025-26 season of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) spotlight following SCSU's 3-0 week and 5-0 start to conference play.
Watch on YouTube
NSIC Release
NSIC SETTER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant (Grand Rapids, Minn.) was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Setter of the Week on Sept. 29. It was LaPlant's first career weekly honor, and she is the first Husky to be recognized this season.
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota native led the NSIC in assists/set (12.20) while contributing 2.50 digs/set. She guided the Huskies offense to a league-leading 15.30 kills per set and the .302 team hitting percentage was second best in the league last week.
LaPlant's standout match came in SCSU's four set win at previously undefeated (RV) Minnesota State when she posted a 46-assist, 17-dig double-double. It was her third double-double of the season and her 17 digs were a new career high mark for a single match. She dished out 38 assists in each of SCSU's wins over the weekend.
NSIC Release
ALL-TOURNEY TEAMS
Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant (Grand Rapids, Minn) and redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) were named to the 2025 UP North Tournament All-Tournament Team.
Senior setter Emma Berran (Inver Grove Heights, Minn) and Thompson were named to the 2025 Western Washington Invitational All-Tournament Team to open the season.
WELCOME TO THE PACK
The Huskies welcomed three newcomers to the team this fall (all freshmen): setter/opposite Asta Hildebrand (North Liberty, Iowa / Liberty HS), middle blocker Kendall Huhnerkoch (Redwood Falls, Minn. / Redwood Valley HS) and outside hitter/defensive specialist Emery Thury (Watertown, S.D. / Watertown HS).
NSIC PRESEASON FAVORITES / NSIC PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
St. Cloud State Volleyball was selected to finish first in the 2025 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll. Additionally, reigning American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) second team All-American, redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) was named the Preseason Player of the Year for the conference.
The defending NSIC Regular Season and Tournament Champion Huskies amassed 212 points in the poll, including eight of the 16 first place votes, earning the top spot in the preseason poll for the first time in program history.
Rounding out the top five behind the Huskies is Concordia-St. Paul (2nd, 208 points, four first place votes), Southwest Minnesota State (3rd, 202 points, four first place votes), Wayne State (4th, 188 points) and Northern State (5th, 170 points).
"Once again, I'm impressed with the work that these women have put in, throughout the spring, competitive season, and the off-season," said head coach Chad Braegelmann. "They continue to improve as volleyball players, students of the game and as role models to the young girls that watch our sport. I am excited to see some new players step up into bigger roles, this fall and am excited for the combination of experience and youth that we look to roster this fall."
In her first season playing for SCSU in 2024, Thompson was a first team All-Central Region selection by the AVCA and a second team all-region pick by the D2CCA. The Lakeville native was a first team All-NSIC selection and was named to the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament Team, the NSIC Tournament All-Tournament Team and the UP North Tournament All-Tournament Team. The middle blocker finished the regular season No. 30 among DII players in hitting percentage and was top six among NSIC players in hitting percentage, points/set, kills/set and total kills.
"Ella is fantastic offensively and does not get cheated on her swings," said Braegelmann. "She is very intense on the volleyball court and has grown in her knowledge of the game. Her energy on the court is contagious."
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Volleyball, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
FOLLOW THE HUSKIES
The matches will be streamed live for free on the NSIC Network. Additionally, fans can listen to the matches on the KVSC Sports Stream. KVSC talent Reece Powell will be calling the action on Friday and Luke Paider will have the call on Saturday. Live stats will be provided by SCSU and tickets can be purchased HERE.
Match 21 – vs. #22 Northern State (Halenbeck Hall // St. Cloud) – Friday, Oct. 24 / 6 p.m. / Watch (NSIC Network) / Live stats / Listen (KVSC Sports Stream)
Match 22 – vs. Jamestown (Halenbeck Hall // St. Cloud) – Saturday, Oct. 25 / 2:30 p.m. / Watch (NSIC Network) / Live stats / Listen (KVSC Sports Stream)
Links to each coverage option can also be found on the St. Cloud State Volleyball schedule page.
MATCH DAY PROMOTIONS
Friday, Oct. 24 vs. #22 Northern State
Promotion: Homecoming / Alumnae Weekend
Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. Jamestown
Promotion: Homecoming / Alumnae Weekend
HOME SWEET HALENBECK
SCSU Volleyball has enjoyed tremendous success in the friendly confines of Halenbeck Hall, going 67-10 (.870) in its last 77 home matches. The Huskies are 8-2 at home this season.
SERIES HISTORY
SCSU is 16-23 all-time against Northern State but is on an eight-match win streak over the Wolves, including a sweep in Aberdeen on September 27. Prior to the Huskies run of eight straight, NSU had won the last 12 matchups. SCSU is 9-7 all-time against the Wolves in Halenbeck Hall.
The Huskies are 5-0 all-time against Jamestown (all sweeps) but have only played the Jimmies in once before in NSIC play. Prior to the match earlier this season on September 26, all of the previous matchups were neutral site matches from 1985-1988.
LAST TIME OUT
The No. 11 Huskies swept No. 23 Minnesota State at Halenbeck Hall on Tuesday evening.
Notes from the match
3-0 win vs. #23 Minnesota State (10-21-25)
- SCSU improved to 64-53 all-time against Minnesota State including a seven-match win streak that dates back to October 2021. The Huskies also improve to 23-20 all-time against the Mavericks at Halenbeck Hall.
- SCSU improved to 6-4 against teams ranked/receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) DII National Poll this season, 8-2 at home and 11-2 in three set matches.
- The Huskies .354 team hitting percentage tied for the second best in a single match this season.
- SCSU led the match in points (64-33), kills (47-25), hitting percentage (.354-.100), aces (8-4), blocks (9-4), assists (45-25) and digs (53-32).
- Junior outside hitter Shelby Kimm (North Liberty, Iowa) posted a 10-kill, 10-dig double-double with four block assists, two aces and one solo block. She logged her 10th double-double of the season (fourth consecutive). The solo block was Kimm's first of the season.
- Graduate opposite Sam Zimmerman (Moorhead, Minn.) contributed 12 kills (.688 hitting percentage), four digs and two aces. Her .688 hitting percentage became the new top mark for a single match among Huskies with at least 12 kills.
- Redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) recorded 11 kills (.444 hitting percentage) and four block assists. She sent down double-digit kills for the 11th time this season and recorded 4+ block assists for the fifth time.
- Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant (Grand Rapids, Minn.) tallied 41 assists, four digs and two aces. Her 41 assists were the second most for a three-set match this season.
- Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Abby Wachal (Lincoln, Neb.) contributed 13 digs, four kills, two aces and one solo block. Her solo block was the first of the season
- Senior middle blocker Emilie Planert (De Pere, Wis.) recorded eight kills (.538 hitting percentage) and three block assists. Her eight kills were a new single match career high.
- Sophomore libero Laurin Hamann (Manitowoc, Wis.) posted 13 digs. She has tallied 13+ digs in all but five matches this season.
(as of 10/22)
- NCAA
- No. 2 – kills/set (15.00)
- No. 4 – assists/set (13.71)
- No. 16 – hitting percentage (.261)
- No. 19 – kills (1,050)
- NSIC
- No. 1 – kills/set (15.00)
- No. 2 – assists/set (13.71)
- No. 2 – kills (1,050)
- No. 3 – assists (960)
- No. 3 – service aces (134)
(as of 10/22)
- Sophomore libero Laurin Hamann
- NSIC
- No. 6 – digs/set (4.39)
- No. 6 – digs (307)
- NSIC
- Junior outside hitter/opposite Shelby Kimm
- NSIC
- No. 7 – points/set (3.92)
- No. 9 – kills/set (3.41)
- No. 11 – digs/set (3.61)
- No. 12 – attacks/set (8.82)
- NSIC
- Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant
- NCAA
- No. 7 – assists/set (11.38)
- No. 21 – assists (740)
- NSIC
- No. 3 – assists/set (11.38)
- No. 6 – assists (740)
- NCAA
- Redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson
- NSIC
- No. 8 – kills/set (3.42)
- No. 9 – points/set (3.89)
- No. 10 – hitting percentage (.333)
- No. 12 – blocks/set (0.85)
- No. 12 – blocks (56)
- No. 13 – kills (226)
- NSIC
- Graduate student opposite Sam Zimmerman
- NSIC
- No. 4 – aces/set (0.47)
- NSIC
The Huskies were ranked No. 11 in the Oct. 20 (week seven) American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/TARAFLEX Division II Poll, holding onto the same spot from the previous poll.
Under the direction of Head Coach Chad Braegelmann, the program has been ranked for 76 consecutive weeks (including 47 weeks in the top 10), dating back to the 2019 season. The Huskies have spent a total of 150 weeks in the AVCA top 20/25 Poll in program history, including 72 weeks in the top 10.
SCSU in the 2025 AVCA DII National Poll
#3 – Preseason
#10 – Week One
#16 – Week Two
#15 – Week Three
#13 – Week Four
#10 – Week Five
#11 – Week Six
#11 – Week Seven
31 IN A ROW
SCSU had its 31-match win streak against NSIC opponents that dated back to 2024 snapped on October 11 after being defeated by then-No. 11 Wayne State in a thrilling back-and-forth five set match. Prior to Saturday, the Huskies were off to an 8-0 start in conference play this season after going 23-0 against NSIC teams in 2024. Last season SCSU went 18-0 in conference play, 1-0 in nonconference play, 3-0 in the NSIC Tournament and 1-0 in the NCAA tournament against NSIC opponents.
NSIC SPOTLIGHT
Redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) was featured on the fifth episode of the 2025-26 season of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) spotlight following SCSU's 3-0 week and 5-0 start to conference play.
Watch on YouTube
NSIC Release
NSIC SETTER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant (Grand Rapids, Minn.) was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Setter of the Week on Sept. 29. It was LaPlant's first career weekly honor, and she is the first Husky to be recognized this season.
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota native led the NSIC in assists/set (12.20) while contributing 2.50 digs/set. She guided the Huskies offense to a league-leading 15.30 kills per set and the .302 team hitting percentage was second best in the league last week.
LaPlant's standout match came in SCSU's four set win at previously undefeated (RV) Minnesota State when she posted a 46-assist, 17-dig double-double. It was her third double-double of the season and her 17 digs were a new career high mark for a single match. She dished out 38 assists in each of SCSU's wins over the weekend.
NSIC Release
ALL-TOURNEY TEAMS
Sophomore setter Braya LaPlant (Grand Rapids, Minn) and redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) were named to the 2025 UP North Tournament All-Tournament Team.
Senior setter Emma Berran (Inver Grove Heights, Minn) and Thompson were named to the 2025 Western Washington Invitational All-Tournament Team to open the season.
WELCOME TO THE PACK
The Huskies welcomed three newcomers to the team this fall (all freshmen): setter/opposite Asta Hildebrand (North Liberty, Iowa / Liberty HS), middle blocker Kendall Huhnerkoch (Redwood Falls, Minn. / Redwood Valley HS) and outside hitter/defensive specialist Emery Thury (Watertown, S.D. / Watertown HS).
NSIC PRESEASON FAVORITES / NSIC PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
St. Cloud State Volleyball was selected to finish first in the 2025 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll. Additionally, reigning American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) second team All-American, redshirt senior middle blocker Ella Thompson (Lakeville, Minn.) was named the Preseason Player of the Year for the conference.
The defending NSIC Regular Season and Tournament Champion Huskies amassed 212 points in the poll, including eight of the 16 first place votes, earning the top spot in the preseason poll for the first time in program history.
Rounding out the top five behind the Huskies is Concordia-St. Paul (2nd, 208 points, four first place votes), Southwest Minnesota State (3rd, 202 points, four first place votes), Wayne State (4th, 188 points) and Northern State (5th, 170 points).
"Once again, I'm impressed with the work that these women have put in, throughout the spring, competitive season, and the off-season," said head coach Chad Braegelmann. "They continue to improve as volleyball players, students of the game and as role models to the young girls that watch our sport. I am excited to see some new players step up into bigger roles, this fall and am excited for the combination of experience and youth that we look to roster this fall."
In her first season playing for SCSU in 2024, Thompson was a first team All-Central Region selection by the AVCA and a second team all-region pick by the D2CCA. The Lakeville native was a first team All-NSIC selection and was named to the NCAA Central Region All-Tournament Team, the NSIC Tournament All-Tournament Team and the UP North Tournament All-Tournament Team. The middle blocker finished the regular season No. 30 among DII players in hitting percentage and was top six among NSIC players in hitting percentage, points/set, kills/set and total kills.
"Ella is fantastic offensively and does not get cheated on her swings," said Braegelmann. "She is very intense on the volleyball court and has grown in her knowledge of the game. Her energy on the court is contagious."
For all the latest on St. Cloud State Volleyball, stay tuned to SCSUHuskies.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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