Box Score

DENVER, Colo. – Devin Diedrich recorded a career-high 24 kills to lead No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State to a 3-1 (25-15, 15-25, 25-21, 25-19) victory over Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) Friday afternoon at the Colorado Premier Challenge on the campus of Metro State in Denver, Colo.

SMSU improves to 6-2, NNU drops to 4-4.

Diedrich's machine-like performance, which included a .367 hitting statistic, was complimented by a 49-assist outing from Sara Graf--a season high for the setter. Mary Groth also reached double figures in kills with 10.

Kenzie Niesche and Crissi Schewe locked in defensively with 22 and 20 digs, respectively.

Riding a comfortable lead deep into the opening set, Graf found herself the leader of a 5-0 run by the Mustangs to finish the set. First, Graf dumped a quick ball over to give the Mustangs a 20-15 advantage. Stepping to the service line, the senior aced her attempt for point 21. After successfully serving point 23, Graf saved a sure NNU kill, allowing a resulting Mustang kill. One final service ace by Graf sealed the set victory and gave SMSU a 1-0 match lead.

A harder-hitting Crusader team and less-efficient Mustang squad arrived for the second set. NNU recorded 11 kills to SMSU's seven. The Mustangs were mistake-laden on the offensive end, tallying 12 errors for a negative hitting percentage. The Crusaders cruised to a 10-point set victory.

NNU had an upset on its mind as it played the nationally ranked Mustangs to a ties at 13-13 and 19-19 before a late spurt from SMSU silenced that comeback. A high-flying Diedrich was explosive for the Mustangs, sending her final attack home for the 25-21 set victory. She had 17 kills through three sets.

And the Diedrich show made an encore for the fourth and final set. The middle blocker terminated another seven kills to key a 25-19 set victory.

A season and match-high three aces from Graf sparked an improved serving effort on behalf of the Mustangs.

Lindsay Grant's 12 kills and Haley Havern's 27 digs led NNU.

SMSU continues play next weekend at the Concordia University, St. Paul Tournanment.