BOX SCORE
PHOTO GALLERY - Greg Devereaux Photography

MARSHALL, Minn. – Junior outside hitter Brooke Burmeister tied a career-high with 27 kills, helping No. 9 Southwest Minnesota State to a four set win (25-14, 25-20, 22-25, 25-21) over Augustana (S.D.) on Tuesday night in Marshall. SMSU improves to 15-6 overall, including 9-3 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play while Augustana falls to 11-9 on the season, 5-7 in the NSIC.

With the win, Southwest Minnesota State has now won 11 straight matches over Augustana.

Freshman middle blocker Alyssa Taylor tied her career-high with 12 kills, while adding three service aces, two solo and two block assists in the match.

The Mustangs started out fast gaining a 7-0 lead in the first set. After a service error turned the serve over the Vikings, Augie was able to come within five points with SMSU leading 9-4. The Mustangs were able to pull ahead with a 12-point 20-8 lead keeping the Vikings on their heels.

The Vikings put together two late three-point runs but the Mustangs were able to walk away with a 25-14 first set win.

SMSU grabbed another early lead in the second set but the Vikings would keep the set closer, forcing the Mustangs to play tough defense. Augustana was able to tie the set at 10 each, but SMSU pulled away with Burmeister fueling the runs helping the Mustangs to a 19-15 lead.

Southwest Minnesota State ended the second set on a strong note gaining four consecutive points to end the set, winning 25-20 on a kill by Burmeister.

SMSU did not trail in the match until the third set when Augustana went on a six-point run to take a 12-8 lead over the Mustangs. The long run gave the Vikings enough cushion to win the third set 25-22, despite a late comeback by SMSU.

The Mustangs had four players reach double-digits in digs, led by setter Cara Carson who finished with a match-high 17. Carson also led all players with 48 set assists in the match. Rachel Westby finished with 16 digs and seven kills, and Brittany Wenzel added 15 digs for the Mustangs.

After the Mustangs gained a 10-6 lead in the fourth set, the Vikings stormed back eventually taking a 21-19 lead over SMSU. The Mustangs would then score six consecutive points to close-out a 25-21 fourth set win.

Southwest Minnesota State will continue NSIC action on Friday, Oct. 21, to take on Winona State at 7 p.m. in Winona, Minn. From there, SMSU will travel to Fayette, Iowa to take on Upper Iowa beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday.