BETHANY, Okla. – Northwestern State University volleyball team traveled to Bethany this Tuesday night to play against Southern Nazarene University. The Rangers showed flashes of momentum but couldn't sustain it, falling in straight sets to SNU in Great American Conference play.

Northwestern battled early but fell 25-13 to Southern Nazarene in the opening set. The Rangers kept pace early with kills from Ivanny Blackwood, tying the score several times before the Crimson Storm pulled ahead. Mikayla White added a block to spark the defense, but late errors allowed SNU to pull away and win it.
The Rangers bounced back in the second set, showing grit and energy in a narrow 26-24 loss. Northwestern traded points throughout the frame, with Blackwood leading the attack and White adding key kills and a service ace to keep momentum on their side. Strong blocking from Jayla Adams and Cameryn Barclay helped the Rangers rally late, tying the set at 24 before Southern Nazarene closed it out with two final points.

Northwestern continued to battle in the third set but came up short 25-17 as Southern Nazarene completed the sweep. The Rangers kept things close early with stronger execution at the net and improved passing, trading points midway through the frame. Despite several late rallies and solid defensive stands, Southern Nazarene's steady attack down the stretch sealed the match. Northwestern will look to regroup at home in its next conference outing.

Blackwood led the team in kills with nine and three aces. White added five kills, 14 assists and 11 digs. Jadyn Padilla added 13 digs. Cameryn Barclay added two blocks.
The Rangers will be back at home this Thursday at 6 p.m. to face Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

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