LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball team (8-1, 1-1 NSIC) moved down two spots to No. 8 in the week three American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) DII poll released on Monday.
 
The Mustangs, ranked No. 6 in the week two poll, went 1-1 in the opening weekend of NSIC play. SMSU defeated Bemidji State 3-0 Friday night, but the Mustangs suffered their first defeat of the season Saturday afternoon against fellow top 25 squad Minnesota Duluth.
 
SMSU is one of six NSIC schools represented in the top 25, with the Mustangs still leading the conference at No. 8. Concordia-St. Paul leads a run of four straight NSIC schools from No. 13-16, with Wayne State at No. 14, followed by preseason favorites St. Cloud State at No. 15, and Minnesota Duluth at No. 16, jumping eight spots after defeating the Mustangs. Northern State lost three places and are at No. 18 in the poll, while Minnesota State is receiving votes.
 
The Mustangs continue NSIC play this week with an away match against Sioux Falls on Tuesday at 6 p.m. SMSU's home debut comes on Friday against MSU Moorhead, and play again at home on Saturday afternoon against Minnesota Crookston. All games are available to watch live on NSIC Network.