Box Score

The Peacocks (6-4, 0-1 NSIC) dropped their Northern Sun Conference opener tonight in Marshall, Minnesota.  Upper Iowa lined up against the #8 Mustangs of Southwest Minnesota State, but the home team proved to be too much for the visitors.  SMSU won the match in straight sets by scores of 25-15, 25-21, and 25-16.

Upper Iowa's offense struggled against SMSU hitting a low .064 for the match with just 30 kills to offset their 23 attacking errors.  Nicky Brown had 12 kills for the Peacocks, while Skylar Lesan registered 25 assists.  The Peacock defense was paced by Brown, with 12 digs, and Danielle Gernes, who dug out 10 Mustang attacks.

The Mustangs (7-2, 1-0 NSIC) were led by Mary Groth (14 kills, 5 blocks), Brooke Burmeister (13 kills), Cara Carson (38 assists, 6 blocks), and Rachel Westby (15 digs, 9 kills).

Opening week in the Northern Sun will continue on Friday and Saturday as the Peacocks return home to Dorman Gym for Homecoming weekend.  Upper Iowa will host Augustana on Friday night at 7 p.m. and then welcome #10 Wayne State to Prochaska Court on Saturday at 5 p.m.