Box Score MARSHALL, Minn. – There is no doubt the Northern Sun is the toughest conference in the nation for Division II volleyball.

Saturday afternoon, the top team in the conference and nation, Southwest Minnesota State University, showed dominance over the Beavers defeating them in straight sets 25-11, 25-15, 25-14.

SMSU (21-1 overall 13-1 NSIC) was led by two middle hitters, Mary Groth and Devin Diedrich. Groth finished with 12 kills while Diedrich chipped in with 10 of her own.

“They are a great team, there is no question about that,” said MISU head coach Travis Ward. “Their coach has been there for nine years and has really built that program well. I'm excited about playing this team in the future.”

Minot State (5-19 overall 1-13 NSIC) could not seem to get things going in any set, as they hit just a .141 average for the match. Outside hitter Mallory Sall (Fr., Port Coquitlam, British Columbia) led MISU with 10 kills. Setter Emily Byrne (So., Reno, Nev.) passed for 24 assists throughout the match.

“It comes down to playing at a consistent level,” said Ward. “It's nothing new for us. We need to play consistent in all aspects of our game and right now we aren't doing that.”

Minot State will stay on the road in NSIC action next weekend as they travel to play University of Minnesota, Crookston Friday Oct. 26 (7 p.m.) and Bemidji State University Saturday Oct. 27 (3 p.m.).