Northwestern Oklahoma State University

SEARCY, Ark. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team fell to Harding, 3-0, on Thursday evening. 

Harding came out strong in the opening set, building an early lead over Northwestern. The Rangers stayed within reach early on with kills from Tess de Zanet and Celia Mbaya, but Harding began pulling away with a six-point run to take a 12-5 advantage. Northwestern continued to battle, picking up points from a block by Ivanny Blackwood and Avery Lane, along with a few Harding errors. However, Harding maintained control throughout the remainder of the set, using strong offensive plays and back-to-back service aces to extend its lead. The Bisons closed out the opening set with a 25-10 victory. 

Northwestern came out with more energy in the second set, keeping things close with early kills from de Zanet and Miah Matthias. Harding managed to build a small lead, but the Rangers battled back with kills from Blackwood, Andrea Djordjevic, and Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski to tie the set at 12-12. Both teams continued trading points before Harding pulled ahead 19-15. Northwestern made a late push with strong blocking from Miecznikoski and de Zanet, cutting the deficit to just one at 21-20. Despite the comeback effort, Harding held on and closed out the set with a 25-21 victory. 

Northwestern battled early in the third set, keeping things close with kills from Mbaya, Blackwood, and Miecznikoski. The Rangers briefly took a 7-6 lead following a service ace from Djordjevic, but Harding responded with a four-point run to regain control. Northwestern continued fighting with kills from de Zanet, Matthias, and Katie Wadas, but the Bisons extended their lead to 17-10. Blackwood added several late kills to keep the Rangers competing, but Harding maintained its advantage and closed out the set 25-17, securing the 3-0 match victory. 

The Rangers will be back in action on Oct. 9, when they travel to Russellville, Arkansas to take on Arkansas Tech at 5 p.m.