BOX SCORE

MARSHALL, Minn. - No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State picked up its 12th consecutive win over Upper Iowa University this afternoon in NSIC play in Marshall. The Mustangs defeated the Peacocks in straight sets by scores of 25-13, 25-18 and 25-9. SMSU improves to 20-3 overall and 12-2 in NSIC play while Upper Iowa falls to 6-16, 3-10 NSIC.

Devin Diedrich led all players with 14 kills and a .500 hitting percentage. The Mustangs put up 11 blocks in the match with Diedrich recording two solo blocks and five block assists. Cara Carson handed out 32 set assists to go along with two kills and six digs.

The Mustangs jumped out to a five-point lead at 7-2 following a five-point run behind the serve of Brooke Burmeister. The sophomore finished the match with 10 kills, four blocks and one service ace. Southwest Minnesota State went on to take the first set 25-13.

The score would stay much closer in the second set but the Mustangs never lost the lead. Southwest Minnesota State never trailed in the match. Diedrich came out swinging in the second set picking up eight of her 14 kills. Diedrich ended the second set with a kill while the Mustangs took a 25-18 win.

After a service error by Upper Iowa to start the third set, Kenzie Niesche would take the serve and lead the Mustangs to seven straight points and an 8-0 lead. Niesche led SMSU with 10 digs. SMSU would jump out to a huge 13-2 lead eventually winning the final set 25-9.

Mary Groth picked up nine kills and a .364 hitting percentage. The sophomore also pitched in on three block assists.

With the win Southwest Minnesota State picked up its 12th consecutive win over Upper Iowa. The Mustangs have never lost to the Peacocks dating back to the first meeting in 2004.

The Mustangs will pick up NSIC action next weekend when they travel to Mankato on Oct. 30 to take on Minnesota State. First serve is set for 4 p.m.