Photo by Jake McNeill Southwest Minnesota State libero McKenzie Tolk (left) dives for a dig as Saari Kuehl looks on during the No. 6 Mustangs’ 3-0 win over Northern State in the SMSU PE Gym on Friday night.

MARSHALL — The No. 6 Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team opened its weekend with a bang, sweeping Northern State by scores of 25-15, 25-18, and 25-23. Northern State drops to a record of 16-6 overall, 8-5 NSIC as a result, while SMSU improves to 20-3, 11-2 NSIC.

Leading the Mustang offense tonight was Leah Jones, with 13 kills on an impressive .310 hitting percentage, tallying just four errors in the match. Emma VanHeel hit incredibly efficiently tonight, posting 10 kills on a .625 hitting percentage (10-0-16). Saari Kuehl recorded nine kills in the match on .292 hitting (9-2-24), and notched one solo block in her effort. Additionally, Karli Arkell scored seven kills for herself on 43 percent hitting.

Alisa Bengen accommodated SMSU on offense, scoring 35 assists, three kills, and six digs.

McKenzie Tolk was the anchor for the Mustang defense, recording 16 digs and four assists. Bengen also did her part on defense, capturing four block assists. VanHeel was the top blocker for the Mustangs, with total blocks. Brooklyn Kusler excelled behind the line tonight, recording a team-high two service aces, and added three total blocks on the net. Natalee Rolbiecki assisted on the SMSU back line this evening, grabbing herself 11 digs and a service ace in the match.

The offensive leaders for Northern State were Abby Brooks and Natalia Szybinska, tallying 10 kills apiece. Abby Meister supported the Wolves on offense, recording 18 digs in the affair. Keri Walker was the primary ball handler for NSU, capturing 38 assists in her effort, while adding eight digs and one block assist.

Abby Brooks stood strong on the NSU front line, helping herself to one solo block and two block assists on defense. Morrisen Samuels, Eliza Bauers, and Natalia Szybinska assisted Brooks on the front line, capturing a combined four block assists and two solo blocks.

The Mustangs out-hit NSU in the match by nearly 12 percent. Kills for NSU totaled to just 39, while SMSU totaled 45.

SMSU has now beaten NSU in all 15 previous matchups in Marshall dating back to 2003, and now lead the overall series 63-11.

Up next

SMSU hosts MSU Moorhead (7-14, 3-9 NSIC) tomorrow, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m.

SMSU travels to Wayne, Neb., for a match against the Wayne State Wildcats on Tuesday, Oct. 31, with first serve at 6 p.m.

The Mustangs then head back North for a match against Minnesota Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 2. First serve against the Bulldogs is set for 6 p.m.