BOX SCORE

MARSHALL, Minn. - In front of the "Red Out" crowd, the No. 1 Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team swept the University of Mary 25-16, 25-9, 25-17. With the victory, SMSU improves to 20-1 overall, 12-1 in NSIC play, while U-Mary drops to 3-17 overall, 3-10 in NSIC play.

The Mustangs took advantage of a U-Mary Marauders team that struggled passing the ball as SMSU posted a .436 attack percentage; its highest of the season. Devin Diedrich was brilliant for the Mustangs as she led SMSU with a match-high 12 kills on a .667 attack percentage with no errors. Freshman Abbey Thissen followed Diedrich with 11 kills of her own on a .562 attack percentage. Emilee Gutzmer provided 31 assists, while Rachel Westby led the defense with 11 digs.

SMSU would tie a season-high mark with nine aces in the contest. SMSU recorded nine aces in two other matches earlier this season on Sept. 29 vs. MSU Moorhead and Oct. 6 vs. Winona State.

The Mustangs continued their winning ways against the Marauders as SMSU has taken seven straight matches dating back to 2006.

The match marked the second annual "Red Out", an event that promotes heart disease awareness in men and women.

No. 1 SMSU will return to action tomorrow afternoon in the PE Gym as the Mustangs will play host to the Minot State Beavers. The first-ever match featuring the two programs will start at 3 p.m.