The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team fell to Southwestern, 3-0, on Thursday night to close out the regular season.
Northwestern battled throughout the opening set, but fell to Southwestern, 25-21. The Rangers kept things competitive early, with kills from Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski, Jadyn Padilla, Avery Lane, and Katie Wadas helping Northwestern stay within reach. Ivanny Blackwood and Tess De Zanet also contributed offensively, as the Rangers fought back to tie the set at 16-16 and later took an 18-17 lead. However, Southwestern responded with a strong scoring run to take control at 23-18. Northwestern made a late push behind defensive efforts from Jayla Adams, Miecznikoski, and Blackwood, cutting the deficit to 23-21 before the Bulldogs secured the final two points to take the opening set.
Southwestern carried its momentum into the second set, defeating Northwestern 25-17. The Rangers started strong with contributions from Cameryn Barclay and de Zanet, but the Bulldogs quickly gained control with an early scoring run to take a 10-3 lead. Northwestern continued to battle as Lane, Adams, Miecznikoski, and Blackwood added kills to keep the Rangers fighting. Lane also recorded a service ace, while Miecznikoski, Blackwood, and Adams contributed key blocks defensively. Despite Northwestern's efforts to close the gap, Southwestern maintained its lead throughout the remainder of the set to take a 2-0 advantage in the match.
Northwestern came out strong in the third set, and jumped out to an early 4-1 lead behind kills from Lane and Miecznikoski. De Zanet and Blackwood also contributed offensively, helping Northwestern maintain a 7-5 advantage. However, Southwestern responded with a scoring run to take the lead and eventually pulled ahead 18-10. Northwestern continued to fight, with Lane, Miecznikoski, Cameryn Barclay, and Blackwood adding kills throughout the set, but ultimately fell to Southwestern, 25-14, giving the Bulldogs the 3-0 match victory.
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