BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University volleyball team were unable to overcome the eighth-ranked Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs, 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-17), in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play Saturday afternoon. The Beavers (3-11, 2-4 NSIC) were led by junior Mallie Mertz with 10 kills, though the Beaver would only tally 30 kills to the Mustangs' (13-1, 5-1 NSIC) 41 in the match.
 
On the attack Meeghen Dahlager and Lauren Sitter both totaled five kills and Ashley East finished with four. Assisting the Beavers on  offense were Emily Wade and Hally Holker both with 14 assists. BSU also had three aces in the match all coming from different players: Dahlager, Ashley Crowl and Holker.
 
On defense, Annie Hopp and Crowl both came away with 12 digs. The Beavers out-blocked the Mustangs five-to-three with Rylie Bjerklie leading the team with 4.
 
Bemidji State were out-hit by the Mustangs .343 to .113. The second set BSU had their best hitting percentage on the day hitting .241.
 
The Beavers will be on the road next weekend to face Wayne State College and Augustana University at 6:00 p.m. Friday and 5:00 p.m. Saturday, respectively. 
 
For more information on the Bemidji State volleyball program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversVB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers and Volleyball Facebook) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversVB)
 
Nestled in Northern Minnesota's wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
--bsu—