Box Score

FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA.:  Maggie Geske proved to be just the spark the No. 12 ranked Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team needed; the freshman recorded 15 kills to help the Mustangs to a 3-2 (17-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-21, 15-8) victory over Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Saturday morning at the Nova Southeastern Classic in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The Mustangs improve to 2-1, while Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras is now 0-3.

Geske headlined the Mustangs' comeback effort in the second set.  She recorded eight kills in the set, allowing SMSU to tie the match at one set a piece.

SMSU led for much of the third set, but the Mustangs failed to put Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras away as they rallied to take the set to a 28-26 decision.

After losing the fourth set, the Mustangs used a solid hitting performance in the final set to shut the door on Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras.

Senior Laura Hegerle again led the Mustangs in the kills column as the senior had 16.  This is the third straight match Hegerle has led SMSU in kills.

Freshman setter Cara Carson, who saw limited action the last two matches, recorded 40 assists in the victory. 

Playing libero for the first time this season, junior Lauren Swain led SMSU's defensive attack with 22 digs. Senior Kasey Loeslie had a team high six blocks.

The Mustangs play again today at 12 p.m. EST against Dowling (N.Y.) in their final match of the Nova Southeastern Classic.