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MARSHALL, Minn.— Southwest Minnesota State opened Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play with a controlling performance, defeating the University of Sioux Falls by scores of 25-9, 25-21, 25-16.

Abbey Thissen floored nine kills and hit .500, while teammates Whitney Burmeister and Sarah Parker racked up eight kills apiece while hitting .368 and .429, respectively. Burmeister also tallied 10 digs in the match.

Emilee Gutzmer dished out 20 assists along with freshman, Megan Larson adding 12 assists to help boost the SMSU offense.

SMSU (6-3, 1-0 NSIC) started the first set on a 16-3 roll before dominating set one, 25-9. Southwest Minnesota State hit a game-high .435, while USF hit -.250.

In set two, Sioux Falls (5-5, 0-1 NSIC) kept it close until SMSU went on a four point spree to go up 14-11 and went on to win, 25-21.

SMSU kept the dominating performance alive in set three. Leading 11-4 at one point and eventually closing out the match, 25-16 while hitting .387 in the final set.

Southwest Minnesota State hit .360 on the night while tallying nine team blocks and nine aces.

SMSU will continue NSIC play as they travel to Duluth, Minn., on Friday to take on No. 3 Minnesota Duluth at 7 p.m.