BOX SCORE

MINOT, N.D. - The No. 7 Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team trapped the Beavers of MInot State in straight sets in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action on Saturday. The Mustangs improved to 12-3 overall, 7-0 in the NSIC with their set victories of 25-23, 25-16, 25-17.

In set one, SMSU would take a 10-4 advantage and force an early Beaver timeout. SMSU would grow its lead to 16-8 but MISU would work the score to 17-15 with a rally. The rally would put the Beavers in contention for the set as the two teams battled back-and-forth. The Mustangs would never surrender the lead and landed the final blow in the form of a Whitney Burmeister kill to lift SMSU to a 25-23 set victory.

Set two was controlled and dominated by the Mustangs. SMSU would use a 6-0 run early to take a 6-4 lead into a 12-4 lead. It would be all the Mustangs would need in the set as they cruised to a 25-16 set victory.

In set three SMSU would use a 9-point rally to build a 10-2 lead. Not looking back the Mustangs would ride the momentum to take the set and sweep the match.

The Mustangs were led by Abbey Thissen's performance as the sophomore right side hitter nailed down 13 kills on 26 attempts (.423). Claire Sames was also solid as she tallied 11 kills on 30 attempts (.300). Stearing the offense was Emilee Gutzmer and her 37 assists. Libero Rachel Westby recorded 17 digs.

SMSU (12-3, 7-0 NSIC) returns home to the PE Gym to take on Winona State and Upper Iowa next weekend.