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All notes courtesy of SMSU athletics communications.
MARSHALL - The No. 11 ranked Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team (11-3, 5-2 NSIC) dropped a 3-0 decision to No. 2 Wayne State (15-1, 7-0 NSIC) on Tuesday evening at the PE Gym, falling by set scores of 25-20, 25-21 and 26-24.
Mya Krystosek led SMSU offensively with eight kills and added three service aces, while Leah Jones also finished with eight kills. Mollie Rupp was the third Mustang to contribute eight kills, while Natalie Pilney added six kills and one block.
Tatem Schmidt directed the Mustang offense with 12 assists and added 10 digs, while Sydney Thein led with 15 assists and seven digs. Ashlynn Schroeder led the SMSU defense with 19 digs, while Paige Steinmetz added seven digs and one service ace.
As a team the Mustangs hit .140 on the match (39-21-129). SMSU had 39 kills in total, with seven service aces and 53 digs. The Wildcats, led in kills by Delaney Miller with 11, hit .231 (37-12-108).
Wayne State took control of the opening set early, building a 5-2 lead before SMSU cut the deficit to one point. The Wildcats extended their advantage, later holding a 16-12 lead. The Mustangs battled back within three at 20-17, but Wayne State scored five of the final eight points to secure a 25-20 victory.
The second set featured 13 ties and seven lead changes as both teams battled throughout. Wayne State led 7-4 before SMSU rallied with four straight points to take the lead. The Wildcats answered to regain the lead, but the Mustangs remained within striking distance and tied the set at 17-17. Wayne State then used a 5-0 run to take a 24-20 lead before closing out the set 25-21.
SMSU opened the third set trailing 4-1 before gradually working its way back into the match. Wayne State held an 8-5 lead, but the Mustangs tied the score at 13-13 and then took a 16-14 advantage. The Wildcats responded with a 4-0 run to move ahead 18-16, and the teams traded points down the stretch. Wayne State reached match point at 24-22, but SMSU answered with consecutive points to tie the set at 24-24. The Wildcats however ended the match with two straight points, winning set three 26-24.
The Mustangs are on the road this weekend, facing Minot State on Friday at 6 p.m., and UMary the following day at 11 a.m.