Behind large runs in the first two sets, Southern Mississippi swept the UNO Privateers with scores of (25-25, 25-15, 25-11) to improve their record to 7-2.

It took the Golden Eagles some time to get settled in and comfortable in the first set. UNO built a slender 10-8 lead, but Southern Miss would fight to tie the score up at 11 apiece. When Mary Pursell was serving, UNO struggled mightily to produce any points.

Pursell manufactured an 8-0 run with her robust serving giving USM a 19-11 lead. The Golden Eagles would not cede that lead for the remainder of the set, winning 25-15.

Feeling the heat after being down a set, UNO came out with a 2-0 lead to start the second set. After both teams traded points, the score was tied 4-4. USM called on Pursell once again and her dominant serving sparked a 9-0 run.

UNO made a bit of a push, taking seven of the next 10 rallies, to cut the lead to 22-15, but that would be as close as the Privateers would come as USM won 25-15.

USM came out of halftime hot, jumping to a 6-1 lead that the Golden Eagles would not give up. The Privateers would not come closer than four points the whole set. The final score was 25-11 as USM capped off the sweep.

Junior Jasmine Crowell led Southern Miss with 11 kills while hitting .688. USM totaled 39 kills while hitting .382. There were five recorded aces, 33 digs and 7 blocks. Pursell and senior Alex Pfefferle finished the match with nine digs of their own.

Next up for the Golden Eagles is the ISTAP Cup which is hosted by Alabama State Sept. 12-13. USM will start the tournament against Alabama at 1 p.m. then face Southeast Missouri at 7 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, USM opens play against Towson at 1:30 p.m. and will finish the tournament with Alabama State at 3:30 p.m.