Northwestern Oklahoma State University

SHAWNEE, Okla. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team fell to Oklahoma Baptist, 3-0, on Tuesday night.

Northwestern came out strong in the opening set, scoring the first two points and staying right with Oklahoma Baptist throughout the early part of the set. The Rangers used kills from Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski, Tess de Zanet, Kaylah Thomas, Ivanny Blackwood, and Celia Mbaya to keep things close, with the teams tied several times, including at 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, and 11-11. Oklahoma Baptist eventually created some separation with a short run to take a 15-12 lead. Northwestern continued to battle, getting kills from Miecznikoski and Blackwood to stay within reach, but the Bison were able to extend their advantage late. The Rangers made one final push, but Oklahoma Baptist closed out the opening set, 25-19. 

Northwestern and Oklahoma Baptist battled back and forth early in the second set, with the Rangers staying close behind kills from Miecznikoski, Blackwood, Thomas, and Mbaya. The teams were tied at 5-5 before the Bison started to pull ahead, building an 11-7 advantage. Northwestern continued to fight, using a block from Kaylee Swartz and Miecznikoski along with another kill from Miecznikoski to stay within reach. Oklahoma Baptist eventually found its rhythm offensively and stretched the lead to 18-11. Blackwood added a pair of kills late in the set, but the Bison maintained control down the stretch and took the second set, 25-16. 

Northwestern put together its strongest push of the match in the third set, going back and forth with Oklahoma Baptist from the start. The Rangers used kills from Thomas, Blackwood, Swartz, Mbaya, de Zanet, and Miecznikoski to stay in the fight. Northwestern grabbed a 15-13 lead midway through the set after an ace from Mbaya and a kill from Miecznikoski. Oklahoma Baptist answered and eventually moved back in front, but the Rangers continued to battle and tied the set at 20-20 on a kill from Swartz. Northwestern stayed within one late and cut the Bison lead to 23-22 with another kill from Miecznikoski. Oklahoma Baptist was able to take the final two points, closing out the set 25-22 and completing the match in three sets. 

The Rangers will be back in action on Sept. 24, when they take on Southwestern Oklahoma State inside Percefull Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.

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