RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team fell to Arkansas Tech, 3-1, on Friday evening.
Northwestern came out strong in the opening set, using kills from Tess De Zanet, Ivanny Blackwood, and Andrea Djordjevic to take an early 5-2 lead. Arkansas Tech responded with a run of its own, and both teams continued trading points throughout the middle of the set. The Golden Suns eventually pulled ahead 17-13, but the Rangers fought back with a kill and service ace from de Zanet to cut the deficit to 19-18. Despite Northwestern's late push, Arkansas Tech regained momentum and extended its lead to 24-18. A block by Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski and Kaylah Thomas gave the Rangers one final point before the Golden Suns closed out the set, 25-19.
Northwestern came out strong in the second set, taking an early 7-4 lead behind kills from de Zanet and a service ace from Djordjevic. Arkansas Tech battled back to take an 11-10 advantage, but the Rangers responded with a six-point run, highlighted by kills from de Zanet and Djordjevic, to pull ahead 16-11. Northwestern continued to build momentum with strong offensive plays from Miecznikoski, Jayla Adams, and Kaylah Thomas, extending its lead to 23-17. Ryann Eastes added a late service ace to bring the Rangers to set point before an Arkansas Tech attack error sealed the 25-18 victory, evening the match at 1-1.
Northwestern started the third set strong, jumping out to an early 6-1 lead behind three kills from Tess de Zanet and a service ace from Celia Mbaya. Arkansas Tech battled back with a run of its own, taking a 13-9 advantage before the Rangers responded with strong defensive plays from Thomas and kills from Djordjevic and Miecznikoski. The Golden Suns maintained a small lead late in the set, but Northwestern continued fighting, using a block from Djordjevic and Adams to cut the deficit to 22-21. A late kill from Djordjevic and another service ace from Mbaya brought the Rangers within one at 24-23. However, Arkansas Tech answered with the final kill to take the set 25-23 and regain a 2-1 match lead.
Arkansas Tech started the fourth set strong, building an early 5-2 lead before Northwestern fought back with a kill and service ace from Tess de Zanet to cut the deficit to 6-5. The Golden Suns responded with a strong offensive run, extending their lead to 16-8 despite kills from Djordjevic, Mbaya, and Adams. Northwestern continued battling with kills from Miecznikoski and Katie Wadas, along with a service ace from Djordjevic, but Arkansas Tech maintained control. The Rangers added a few late points, including another kill from Wadas, before the Golden Suns closed out the set 25-15 to secure the 3-1 match victory.
The Rangers will be back in action on Oct. 13, when they take on Pittsburg State inside Percefull Fieldhouse at 5:30 p.m.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com
