MONTICELLO, ARK. – Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball earned a hard-fought road win Friday night, defeating Arkansas–Monticello 3–1 (25–17, 25–15, 19–25, 25–23).

Northwestern came out strong in the opening set against Arkansas-Monticello, using a balanced attack and steady serving to take control early. Ece Ozdemir led the offensive charge with several kills and a service ace, while Mikayla White kept the offense organized with consistent setting. Ivanny Blackwood and Cameryn Barclay added key kills to extend the Rangers' lead midway through the frame. A late service ace by Naya Danenberg helped Northwestern pull ahead before Barclay's final kill sealed the 25–17 win.

Rangers carried their momentum into the second set, jumping ahead early behind Ozdemir's ace and kill. The Rangers stayed in control throughout and sealed the 25–15 win on a kill from Katherine Harris, taking a 2–0 lead in the match.

Arkansas-Monticello surged early in the third set, capitalizing on several aces to take control. Northwestern battled back trimming the lead midway through the set. Late errors allowed the Blossoms to pull away. Despite a final push from The Rangers, UAM closed out the set 25–19 to stay alive in the match.

The Rangers regrouped in the fourth set, battling point-for-point to close out the match. After trading leads midway through, Rangers pulled ahead late. Blackwood sealed the win with a decisive kill to give Northwestern the 25–23 victory and the match 3-1.

The Rangers were led by Ozdemir in kills with 15 while Blackwood added 13. White led the team in assists with 19 while Ryann Eastes added 16. Jadyn Padilla added 22 digs and one ace. White also led the team in blocks with four while Blackwood had three.

The Rangers will be back at home facing McPherson College on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in Percefull Fieldhouse.

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