Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 UTPA Box Score

LUBBOCK, Tex. – Freshman Caiti O'Connell and sophomore Kelly Jimenez led the way with 14 kills each on Saturday in Northwestern State's 3-0 win over Texas-Pan American in the Texas Tech Invitational.
 
The Lady Demons (2-3) fell 3-0 earlier in the day to San Jose State whose record now sits at 2-3 on the season. UTPA finished the day with a 1-5 record.
 
NSU outside hitter Mackenzie Neely added on seven kills with no attack errors in the win over the Broncs.
 
“Our outside hitters played fantastic against UTPA,” said co-head coach Hugh Hernesman. “With only one error, Caiti was really the highlight of the match, you don't normally see outsides hit that well.
 
“We also served and passed the ball very well. We took advantage of the situation offensively and were much more aggressive which is how we should play every time.”
 
In the first set against UTPA, O'Connell made a kill to put NSU up 2-1 and the Lady Demons would lead for the remainder of the set, winning 25-13.
                                                                                     
A kill by sophomore Vanessa Coleman at the start of the second set put Northwestern State up 1-0. The Lady Demons never trailed in the set, defeating the Broncs 25-11.
 
The third set was the most competitive of the three with seven lead changes. A service error by UTPA at the 15-17 mark sparked a 6-0 run that put the Lady Demons up 21-17. NSU won the final set 25-20.
 
Mackenzie Neely tied with SJSU's Hanah Blume for a game-high eight kills in NSU's loss to the Spartans.
 
The Lady Demons lost all three sets to San Jose State 18-25, 12-25, 23-25.
 
“I think our focus for tomorrow's match will be connecting as a team and competing at a high level regardless of the situation,” said Hernesman.
 
Northwestern State competes again tomorrow against tournament host Texas Tech.