Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and Missouri-Kansas City proved to be too much for the Northwestern State volleyball team as it dropped two 3-0 decisions ((25-23, 25-17, 25-17 and 25-20, 25-14, 25-20, respectively) at the Arkansas Invitational Friday afternoon at Barnhill Arena.
 
"We were really pleased with how well the team matched up with such a physical Arkansas team," said co-head coach Hugh Hernesman. "UA has really good chances of finishing in the top 25 this season."
 
"Against UMKC, we weren't playing system volleyball; the match broke down after the first or second contacts," said Hernesman. " Preseason is about finding the right combination of players and finding our team identity."
 
Haley Koop and Meredith Hays registered nine kills each for the host Razorbacks (1-0) as NSU's (0-2) Caiti O'Connell put up 11.
 
Meghan Vorhees collected a .400 attack percentage to aid UMKC (1-1) in their first victory of the season.
 
The Lady Demons held on tight in the first set with Arkansas, leading 14-12 until the Razorbacks went on a seven-point run to take the lead. NSU was unable to battle back, falling 25-23.
 
Against the Kangaroos, the Lady Demons once again battled tightly until UMKC slowly pulled away, picking up set one 25-20.
 
In sets two and three, the Razorbacks and UMKC put up a string of runs to come away with shutouts.
 
O'Connell laid down 23 kills on the day for a .298 attack percentage, followed by freshman Ashley Elrod with 16 kills.
 
"We had a really good day out of Caiti and Ashley as Caiti proved to be very versatile, playing on both sides and adjusting really well, and they both maintained consistency," said Hernesman.
 
Keelie Arneson dug up 26 attacks for NSU while Amanda Kunz put up six blocks.
 
"Mackenzie Neely didn't play earlier today so we had two freshman on the floor who were able to match-up with a strong team," said Hernesman.
 
Neely registered five kills, two digs and one block against the Kangaroos.
 
The Lady Demons face-off with New Mexico on Saturday at 4:00 in the final match of the Arkansas Invitational.