MATCH NOTES

Setting the scene: Southwest Minnesota State University (20-3, 12-2 NSIC) will travel to Mankato, Minn. to take on Minnesota State (16-6, 8-6 NSIC) on Saturday, Oct. 30. First serve is set for 4 p.m. in the teams second meeting this year.

Series notes: Minnesota State holds a 16-game lead over the SMSU?in the all-time series record. The series started in 1971 and has not always been a conference match-up between the two teams. The Mavericks were members of the North Central Conference before realigning with the NSIC?in 2007. The Mustangs are just below .500 against the Mavericks at home (11-12) and in conference games (4-5). SMSU has had a tough time when traveling to Mankato posting a 1-15 record in Mankato, the last win coming in 2000. Southwest Minnesota State is 7-4 against the Mavericks since head coach Terry Culhane took the reigns in 2004. Four of SMSU's last six wins over MSU have been sweeps.