Crookston, Minn. – No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State showed why they are ranked top-10 in the nation, sweeping Minnesota Crookston on Friday night in impressive fashion (14-25, 15-25, 11-25).
The Golden Eagles fall to 2-11 (1-4 NSIC) while the nationally ranked Mustangs improve to 12-1 (4-1 NSIC).
Set One
In the opening set, the Mustangs wanted to leave no doubt and get off to a strong start.
The Golden Eagles would score the first point of the set on an
Audrey Cariveau (Fr., OH, Kevil, Kent.) kill. The Mustangs would then go on to score 10 out of the next 11 points, forcing a Golden Eagle timeout.
Minnesota Crookston would score the next three following the timeout, using a trio of Mustang errors.
Minnesota Crookston would get as close as five, three different times in the opening set, but SMSU ran away with set one, 25-14.
Set Two
Set two would start a lot like set one. SMSU would lead 3-0, but a
Natalie Koke (R-Sr., S, Caledonia, Wis.) kill put the Golden Eagles on the board.
SMSU would stretch their lead to 11-2, but a service error and a kill from
Bailey Schaefer (So., OH, Brandon, Minn.) would help the Golden Eagles inch closer.
The Mustangs would lead 18-5, but the Golden Eagles would try to inch their way back, scoring five straight, including a pair of service aces from
Kora Norland (So., S, Fosston, Minn.).
SMSU would win the second set 25-15.
Set Three
SMSU would once again get out to a blazing start, leading 10-4 early on in the set.
The Golden Eagles would make it 10-5 on a Mustang error.
After a Koke service ace, the Mustangs would score the next six points, taking a 22-8 lead and that is all they would need, winning the set, 25-11 and the match, three sets to none.
Individual Stats
Cariveau led the way with six kills on 28 total attacks, while Schaefer finished with five kills on 20 total attacks. Both Cariveau and Schaefer had the same amount of errors as kills.
Madison Klimek (Sr., DS, Oakdale, Minn.) and
Layne Whaley (So., DS, Ashland, Neb.) each finished the night with seven digs.
What's Next
The Golden Eagles will finish their four-match home stand tomorrow afternoon as they welcome in the University of Sioux Falls. First serve is set for 2 PM.