NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State volleyball utilized a comeback victory in set four and three straight set wins to capture a 3-1 victory (14-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-23) over Southeastern Louisiana at Prather Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.

In the win, NSU (9-12, 6-2 Southland Conference) received tremendous play from right side hitter Mackenzie Neely and middle blocker Glynna Johnson who each made their impact on the offensive end tallying 11 kills.

"They are a physical team and we knew that coming in," fifth-year co-head coach Hugh Hernesman said. "We've played against some physical teams but that doesn't make it any easier. I thought we did a good job of making some adjustments especially in rotation. Our middles were outstanding. They won the match for us today."

NSU finished with a total of 12 service aces against the Lady Lions (7-13, 4-4 SLC), their second most on the season and highest number since recording 17 against Mississippi Valley State on Aug. 30.

"What we got out of our service game was real good," Hernesman said. "In that third set early when we went down three or four, Stacey (DiFrancesco) went back to the line and we caught them in a tough rotation and she started short serving them in a spot they just couldn't handle. That got us back in that third set and built momentum into the fourth."

Despite the momentum from the big 25-15 win in set three, NSU struggled in the outset of set four but in typical team fashion, responded in a huge way.

"In the fourth set, it was kind of how we've been the last couple years," Hernesman said. "I think it was 14-18 or 14-19 and I never really felt uncomfortable. I knew there was pressure there but we perform well in those situations. It was a little bit of a trademark defensive run for us there."

After calling a timeout trailing by four, the Lady Demons rebounded following one central message.

"I think all too often people try to make too many adjustments," Hernesman said. "I felt like we had the right game plan. I felt like they were just making plays. You have to trust that your defense is going to make a play here and there and it takes a big play to spark some of that. The message was to stay patient and do what we do."

Defensively, Bailey Martin was a force for NSU, grabbing 21 digs and providing some key first touches. After sitting out last match with a personal illness, DiFrancesco added 11 digs and some key defensive play Offensively, Emily Johnson finished with 23 assists followed by Natalie Jaeger's 17.

"I think that was a crucial win," Hernesman said. "Even talking with their staff afterwards, we both knew this would be a big step in qualifying for the conference tournament for whoever won this match. It's a step closer which is the ultimate goal for us to get there and be playing our best volleyball in November. To take care of your home court when you know how hard it is to win on the road is so important."

Next up, the Lady Demons travel to Nacogdoches, Texas to face rival Stephen F. Austin. The match will take place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. from Shelton Gym.