EDINBURG, Texas – The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team was defeated by the UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 3-0 (25-12, 25-17 and 25-12) Thursday night in Southland Conference play.

The Vaqueros (7-7, 2-1 Southland) controlled this one from the outset as they got out to an 18-7 first set lead before cruising to the win in the opening frame. UTRGV had nine kills to three for the Demons.

In set two, the Demons (1-16, 0-3 Southland) competed better as they trailed 15-12. However, UTRGV scored 10 of the final 13 points as they went on to take set two and three convincingly.

"That's the best team we have played all season," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "Coach Todd (Todd Lowery-UTRGV head coach) has a great environment as well. Hats off to a great program. They are built to be about to win the southland."

The Demons were led by Elsie Sanchez Oliver with five kills while Samaya Wesson and Deja Benjamin both had four. Jade Longlad led NSU with 10 assists while Reagan Hamm had eight.

Next up, the Demons will make the two-hour drive from Edinburg to Corpus Christi, Texas to face the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (5-9, 1-1 Southland) Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.