Box Score

MARSHALL, MINN.:  Senior Kasey Loeslie had 17 kills to lead No. 9 Southwest Minnesota State to a 3-0 (31-29, 25-20, 25-22) conference win over Wayne State (Neb.) and hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season Tuesday night in Wayne, Neb.  For the first time since 2003, SMSU picked up a win at a loud and rowdy Rice Arena.

SMSU improves to 12-1 (1-0, NSIC); Wayne drops to 9-1 (0-1, NSIC).

Loeslie was the only Mustangs in double digits in kills, but Tory Brouwer was one ball shy of hitting double digits in the category as she checked in with a career-high nine.  The freshman duo of Devin Diedrich and Maggie Geske also chipped in with eight kills each.

The defensive effort was led by senior Sarah Quiram, who had a match-high 17 digs on the night.

Junior Sara Graf directed an offense that hit less powerful than usual, but the setter still managed to finish with a match-high 39 assists.

SMSU trailed by as many as five in the first set, but the Mustangs were able to mount a late surge and tie the match at 24-24.  After exchanging leads, SMSU finally scored the decisive set point on a Sara Graf service ace.

The Mustangs had control for the most of the second set, coming on strong in the closing points.  Steady blocking in the SMSU front row held the Wildcats to just 11 kills and a .081 hitting percentage in the second set.

A late SMSU hitting surge in the the third and final  set sealed the victory.  Maggie Geske's kill at 24-22 gave the Mustangs the set and match.

The Mustangs outblocked the Wildcats 10-2 with Loeslie leading the way with a match-high five stuffs.

SMSU continues conference play on Saturday when it hosts Minnesota State, Mankato in its home opener at 4 p.m.