THE FIRST SERVE
The No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball team will continue Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action as it looks to continue success after an exciting come-from-behind win against Sioux Falls Tuesday night. The Mustangs will travel to Bemidji State Friday night to play the Beavers at the BSU Gymnasium at 7 p.m. before going to Crookston to play the Golden Eagles at 4 p.m. in the Lysaker Gymnasium.

OPPONENT AT A GLANCE
BEMIDJI STATE—Bemidji State will enter the contest with an overall record of 5-19, 3-12 NSIC. The Beavers are 2-3 in their last five games, losing to Minnesota Crookston last Tuesday. Jessica Yost leads Bemidji State in hills with 276 while Rachel Craigs paves the way in hitting percentage with .274.

MINNESOTA CROOKSTON—Minnesota Crookston will enter the contest with an overall record of 11-13, 5-10  NSIC. The Golden Eagles are 2-3 in their last five games, defeating Bemidji State last Tuesday. Brittany Looker leads the Golden Eagles with 383 kills while Morgan VanGerpen leads in hitting percentage with .223.

THE SERIES
Southwest Minnesota State and Bemidji State will meet for the 90th time and the 2nd of the season on Friday night with SMSU having a 59-30 record in a series that first started back in 1977. SMSU defeated BSU 3-0 earlier this season in the PE Gym. Southwest Minnesota State is 15-15 while playing in Bemidji. SMSU will meet up with Minnesota Crookston for the 19th time and also the 2nd time this season with SMSU having a strong 27-1 record in a series that started back in 1999. SMSU swept UMC earlier this season in the PE Gym. The Mustangs are 12-1 playing in Crookston.