Northwestern Oklahoma State University

ALVA, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team swept Arkansas-Monticello, 3-0, on Friday afternoon.

The Rangers came out strong in the opening set, jumping to an early 7-0 lead behind kills from Avery Lane, Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski, and Tess De Zanet, along with back-to-back service aces from Lane. Northwestern continued to control the pace, extending their advantage to 11-3 with consecutive kills from Ivanny Blackwood. Arkansas-Monticello worked to close the gap, but Northwestern maintained its lead with key kills from Andrea Djordjevic and de Zanet. A late service ace from Ryann Eastes helped push the Rangers ahead 21-14 before Northwestern closed out the set with a 25-17 victory.
 
The second set was a much closer battle as both teams traded points early. Northwestern gained a slight advantage behind kills from Blackwood, Lane, and Djordjevic, taking a 15-13 lead. Arkansas-Monticello responded with a strong run to pull ahead 20-17, but the Rangers fought back with a kill from Djordjevic and back-to-back service aces from Eastes to tie the set at 20-20. Northwestern carried that momentum into the final points, using key plays from de Zanet and Blackwood to regain the lead. Blackwood delivered the final kill to secure the 25-22 victory and give the Rangers a 2-0 match advantage.
 
Northwestern Oklahoma State carried its momentum into the third set, jumping out to an early 11-3 lead behind strong offensive plays from Blackwood, Lane, and de Zanet. Back-to-back service aces from de Zanet helped the Rangers build their advantage and maintain control of the set. The Weevils attempted to fight back, but Northwestern continued to pull away with key kills from Djordjevic and Miecznikoski. The Rangers extended their lead to 20-13 before consecutive kills from Lane pushed the score to 23-14. Northwestern closed out the set 25-17, completing the 3-0 sweep over Arkansas-Monticello.

The Rangers will be back in action on Oct. 20, when they take on Oklahoma Panhandle State at 6 p.m. inside Percefull Fieldhouse.

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