Northwestern Oklahoma State University

ALVA, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team defeated Henderson State, 3-1, on Thursday night.

Northwestern and Henderson battle back and forth to start the first set. Rangers take an early lead with kills by Kaylah Thomas, Ivanny Blackwood, and Celia Mbaya. The two teams traded points throughout the set with Henderson State taking a lead halfway through the set. Henderson State started to create some separation, getting a three point lead over the Rangers towards the end of the set. The Reddies were able to hold on to their lead and use back to back kills to take set one 25-20. 

Henderson State kept their momentum going, taking an early 5-2 lead over the Rangers to start set two. Northwestern began to gain some momentum, taking an 11-9 lead over the Reddies using kills by Tess de Zanet and Mbaya. Henderson began to take the momentum back and took the lead over the Rangers 17-15 before the Rangers struck back, making the score even 17-17. The Rangers and Reddies exchange points to end the set with the Rangers taking set two 25-23.

Northwestern and Henderson State started set three by exchanging back and forth  points with the Reddies taking a 7-6 lead. With kills by Blackwood, Mbaya, and Thomas, the Rangers take a 14-10 lead over the Reddies. The momentum didn't stop for the Rangers as they continued to extend their 14-10 lead to 18-10 lead using kills by Blackwood, Thomas, and de Zanet. The Reddie added some to their score using kills by Karsen Hart, Calee Carter, and Kelis Battles making the score 20-14 with the Rangers still on top. Northwestern wouldn't give up the fight, keeping their lead and taking set three 25-16. 

The Rangers and Reddies exchange points to start set four. Northwestern gained a small lead over the Reddies using kills by Blackwood, Thomas, and de Zanet to keep the score within one. The Reddies started to lose some momentum, which earned Northwestern three straight points to make the score 7-4.  The Rangers continue to use kills by de Zanet, Blackwood, Mbaya, and Miecznikoski to extend their lead and leave the Reddies trailing behind, 20-14. The Rangers were unstoppable continuing their run and taking set four, 25-16, and taking the match, 3-1. 

The Rangers will be back in action on Oct. 2, when they take on Ouachita Baptist at 4 p.m. inside Percefull Fieldhouse.

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