LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball team jumped three spots to No. 6 in the week two American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) DII poll released on Monday.
 
The Mustangs, ranked No. 9 in the week one poll, went 3-0 this past weekend in the Pitt State Classic. SMSU defeated Southern Nazarene (Okla.) and Maryville (Mo.) in back-to-back sweeps on Thursday night and Friday morning respectively, before defeating tournament hosts Pitt State (Kan.) in five sets on Friday evening.
 
SMSU is one of six NSIC schools represented in the top 25, with the Mustangs leading the conference at No. 6. Concordia-St. Paul leads a run of four straight NSIC schools from No. 14-17, with Northern State at No. 15, followed by preseason favorites St. Cloud State at No. 16, and Wayne State at No. 17. Minnesota Duluth enters the poll for the first time this season at No. 24, while Minnesota State is now receiving votes.
 
The Mustangs start NSIC play this weekend with a pair of away matches, first against Bemidji State on Friday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m., and against No. 24 Minnesota Duluth the next day at 2 p.m. SMSU's home opener is on Friday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. against MSU Moorhead. All games are available to watch live on NSIC Network.