WICHITA, Kan. - The Northwestern Oklahoma State volleyball team fell to Newman, 3-1, on Tuesday night.
Northwestern and Newman went back and forth early in the opening set, with the Rangers keeping things close behind kills from Tess de Zanet, Kemelly Baez Miecznikoski, Kaylah Thomas, and Ivanny Blackwood. The two teams traded points throughout the first half before Newman started to create some separation. Northwestern continued to battle, with de Zanet providing several key kills to keep the Rangers within reach. Newman was able to hold onto its advantage late and used back-to-back service aces to close out the opening set, 25-20.
Northwestern responded in the second set with a strong start and stayed in control throughout the frame. The Rangers got production from several players, including de Zanet, Blackwood, Celia Mbaya, Thomas, and Miecznikoski. Ryann Eastes helped keep the offense moving while also making an impact at the net. Northwestern began to pull away late, using a combination of kills, blocks, and a service ace from Jadyn Padilla to build its lead. Miecznikoski finished off the set with a kill as the Rangers took the second set 25-18, evening the match at one set apiece.
Northwestern came out strong in the third set, jumping ahead early behind kills from de Zanet, Blackwood, and Miecznikoski. The Rangers built a 17-11 advantage, but Newman slowly worked its way back into the set. Northwestern continued to battle as Blackwood and Thomas helped keep the Rangers in front. The set tightened late, with both teams trading points and Northwestern fighting off set point to tie things at 24-24 and again at 26-26. Newman eventually put together the final two points to take the back-and-forth third set, 28-26, and move ahead 2-1 in the match.
Northwestern and Newman stayed close early in the fourth set, trading points throughout the opening stretch. De Zanet, Blackwood, and Miecznikoski helped lead the Rangers offensively, while Eastes continued to set up the attack. Northwestern remained within striking distance at 16-15 before Newman put together a run to create some separation. The Rangers continued to fight late, getting kills from Miecznikoski and Blackwood, but Newman was able to hold onto the lead and close out the fourth set 25-18, taking the match 3-1.
The Rangers will be back in action on Oct. 1, when they host Henderson State inside Perceful Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.
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