LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Southwest Minnesota State women's volleyball team (10-2, 3-2 NSIC) moved down four spots to No. 12 in the recent American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) DII poll released on Monday afternoon.

The Mustangs, ranked No. 8 in the week three poll, went 2-1 last week in NSIC play, dropping a five-set match to Sioux Falls on Tuesday, before sweeping both Minnesota State Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston in the Mustangs home debut on Friday and Saturday.

SMSU is one of six NSIC schools represented in the recent poll, with five teams in the top 15. Wayne State jumped five spots to No. 9 leading the conference, with Concordia-St. Paul at No. 11 followed by the Mustangs at No. 12. SMSU's next opponent St. Cloud State is at No. 13, and Minnesota Duluth is at No. 15. After a rough weekend, Northern State fell six spots to No. 24, and 12-1 Minnesota State is receiving votes.

The Mustangs have two pivotal contests this weekend on the road. First against No. 13 St. Cloud State on Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., before traveling to Mankato to face Minnesota State on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. Both matches are available to watch on the NSIC Network.