HAMMOND, La. – The Northwestern State Demons' volleyball team lost 3-0 (25-12, 25-12 and 15) Thursday night on the road to the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions in Southland Conference action.

The Demons (1-18, 0-5 SLC) got four kills from senior Deja Benjamin in the opening set. However, the Lady Lions (12-5, 4-1 SLC) recorded 15 kills in the set as they cruised to the first set win.

In set two, it was much of the same as the Lady Lions jumped out to a 14-4 lead following two attack errors by the Demons and two SLU kills.

The Demons opened the third set with a 5-4 lead after kills by Benjamin and Julia Whitfield, an ace by Harper Cauley, a block from Samaya Wesson and an SLU attack error. However, SLU began to take control as they led 14-8 halfway through the set as they would go on to win in straight sets.

"I love that we continue to battle," said Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta. "But the consistent attack and block of SLU gave us fits all night long."

Southeastern finished with 11 blocks to four for the Demons.

The Demons were led by Benjamin with nine kills while Reagan Hamm had 13 assists. Emmarie McFarland led the way defensively with 11 digs.

Southeastern got 22 assists from Ashley Richardson and 15 from Peyton Stokely. Lexi Gonzalez had 12 digs to aid the defense. Kyra McElvey had 10 digs to lead the offensive attack.  

The Lady Lions remain undefeated at home (7-0) and have won eight of the last nine matches against the Demons. SLU now leads the all-time series 34-31 over NSU.

Next up, the Demons will travel 50 miles south from Hammond to New Orleans to face the UNO Privateers (6-11, 1-3 SLC) Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.