LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Southwest Minnesota State women's volleyball team (10-4, 3-4 NSIC) moved down five spots to No. 17 in the recent American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) DII poll released on Monday afternoon.

The Mustangs, ranked No. 12 in the week four poll, suffered two defeats last week in NSIC play, losing in five sets to both No. 10 ranked St. Cloud State and No. 22 ranked Minnesota State.

SMSU is one of seven NSIC schools represented in the recent poll, with Concordia-St. Paul leading the conference at No. 8. St. Cloud State jumps to No. 10 followed by Wayne State dropping to No. 11. Minnesota Duluth moves up two places to No. 13 with the Mustangs at No. 17. Minnesota State joins the top 25 for the first time this season at No. 22, and Northern State is at No. 23.

The Mustangs are back in Marshall this weekend for Homecoming, first facing off against No. 8 Concordia-St. Paul at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10. SMSU plays again the following day at 2 p.m. against Winona State. Tickets and more information can be found at smsumustangs.com/sports/womens-volleyball.