Box Score NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State utilized a strong defensive presence up front and three consecutive set victories to claim a 3-1 win (20-25, 25-16, 25-11, 25-22) over Incarnate Word at Prather Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.

"We were good with our eyes," fifth-year head coach Hugh Hernesman said. "We did a good job adjusting to a faster tempo offense. Our blockers and back court adjusted real well. Bailey (Martin) led the charge back there with some crucial digs. We started coming to a short zone serving and were able to disrupt them."

Middle blocker Glynna Johnson played a large part both offensively and defensively, tallying three block solos and seven block assists along with eight kills – including six in the third set – as the Lady Demons (6-11,3-1 SLC) limited Incarnate Word (5-12, 1-3 SLC) to an impressive .093 attack percentage.

"Glynna plays blocks so high that in their fast tempo offense for her what was happening was she was going up too big so we were getting her to seal low at the net," Hernesman said. "She started picking up some blocks and she really brought a lot of energy to the team. In the third set offensively, I think she got six kills on six attempts so it's fun to watch her when she cranks it up a notch."

Mackenzie Neely led the offensive charge with 14 kills and got into the defensive action with five block assists.

"Mackenzie has been really consistent," Hernesman said. "She's a big arm on the right. Regardless of who you're playing, a lot of teams have a difficult time defending the right. We get her the ball in good spots for her. We've come to expect this of Mackenzie. She's a lot more confident and aggressive so when she's playing like that it's tough to slow her down."

Outside hitter Stacey DiFrancesco added eight kills and 10 digs while setter Emily Johnson had 31 assists. Defensively, libero Bailey Martin tallied 21 digs.

For NSU, the two-match home stand was a nice change of pace after spending the first month of the season on the road at four different tournaments and a total of 15 matches.

"I think we defend really well here," Hernesman said. "We feel comfortable. Thursday wasn't as hectic and Friday wasn't as hectic and today we get up a little bit later and have a team meal together and come to the gym. It was nice to be back here after five weeks."

NSU hits the road for two matches featuring play at Houston Baptist on Thursday at 7 o'clock and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday at 1 p.m.
"It's going to be a long trip against two really good teams but we feel good about the start we got here and hopefully we can carry that over," said Hernesman.