Box Score CONWAY, Ark. – The Northwestern State volleyball team dropped a tough loss to 2012 Southland Conference tournament champions Central Arkansas 3-1 (25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 24-26) Thursday evening at the Prince Center.
 
The Lady Demons fall to 7-9 overall, 3-1 in the SLC as the Sugar Bears improve to 13-3, 5-0 SLC.
 
"We knew it was going to be an intense match – we're really happy with how we played," said fourth year co-head coach Hugh Hernesman. "We didn't play perfect, but UCA had a lot to do with that. They're a very talented team that keeps the pressure on you. For us to withstand that, in a home environment that UCA thrives in, was very impressive.
 
NSU took set one with a bit of ease, putting up a match-high five-point run early in the game to take a 14-9 lead. Two, four-point runs would put UCA at an arm's length and give the Lady Demons game one.
 
Northwestern State took a bit of a lead in set two before UCA tied the game at 17 and took the lead from there. Although it was close until the end, the Sugar Bears came out on top to tie the match and head into the break.
 
UCA did not waste any time in the third set, jumping out to a set-high 17-12 lead and stringing points together until the 25-20 final.
 
Set four was a nail-biter as the Lady Demons maintained the lead for most of the game until the Sugar Bears went on a three-point run and tied the game at 23. NSU would score just once more before UCA knocked down three straight points for the game-winner.
 
"There were a number of times momentum could have shifted and we could have just crumbled, but we didn't," said Hernesman. "We continued to compete at a great level and do things to stress them back. That's what this game is all about."
 
Libero Keelie Arneson recorded a season-high 34 digs on the evening as setters Emily Johnson and Natalie Jaeger dished out 20 assists each.
 
"Keelie's play was incredible in this match," said Hernesman. "It would have been tough to do what we did tonight without her leading the defensive charge. That's as good as I've ever seen her."
 
Caiti O'Connell knocked down 14 kills, followed by Ashley Elrod with nine. Elrod also dug up 15 Sugar Bear attacks.
 
Vanessa Coleman led from the middle with five total blocks as Mackenzie Neely contributed four and two service aces.
 
"Win or lose, we played at a great level, but still need to build off that and prepare for another very talented team in Oral Roberts," said Hernesman.
 
NSU continues on the road to Oral Roberts on Saturday for a two o'clock start at the Kenneth H. Cooper Aerobics Center. The Lady Demons return home on Thursday to host McNeese at 7:00 and Nicholls on Saturday at 2:00, both at Prather Coliseum.