Minot State was in The Last Frontier to open its season and dropped its first match of the Seawolf Invitational in Anchorage, Alaska, in straight sets to Cal St. San Marcos, 29-27, 25-19, 25-20, on Friday, Sept. 5.

Caton Pearcy led the Beavers with 11 kills and Maya Vibeto led the defensive effort with 11 digs. Eleanor Brislen paced CSSM with 11 kills and Addison Kranz added 10.

The Beavers (0-1) staved off four consecutive set points to extend the opening set, winning five straight points to grab a 25-24 advantage. CSSM (1-0) closed out the set with a kill by Izabella Santa Cruz followed by an ace from Eleanor Brislen.

The second and third sets followed a similar trajectory. Each set was back and forth until the end, where CSSM went on a late run to seize control.

The Beavers were within 17-16 in the second set before the Cougars won eight of the final 11 points. In the final set, MSU held a 17-14 advantage only to see CSSM go on an 8-0 run and eventually close out the match. Santa Cruz had three aces during the run.

The Beavers have three games remaining in the tournament. They play Biola University (Calif) Friday night before matches against the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Sept. 6.