ABILENE, Texas – The Northwestern State Demons' volleyball team was defeated by the Abilene Christian Wildcats in three sets (25-9, 25-20 and 25-15) Wednesday night at Moody Coliseum in non-conference action.

The Demons (1-3) dropped the first set as Abilene Christian (2-2) went on a 9-1 run after NSU scored the game's opening point. The Wildcats took the first set behind 11 kills.

In the second set, the Demons competed well as they led 6-2 early. After the Wildcats went on a 13-2 run to take a 15-8 advantage, NSU rallied to cut the deficit to 16-14.

However, the Wildcats went on to take the set as they had 21 kills and no attack errors through the first two sets and finished the match with just four.

"We are learning and fighting every day," said first-year NSU volleyball head coach Ben Kaszeta. "Today, we felt like a young team struggling to find our identity. The second set showed us what we are capable of being. Things are slowly getting better."

NSU was led by freshman Elsie Sanchez Oliver with eight kills while senior Deja Benjamin had six. Redshirt freshman Reagan Hamm had nine assists and four digs while Makenna Tryon finished with six digs to aid the Demons.

The Wildcats were paced by Annaleise Sevier with nine kills while Rachel Koss had 26 assists.

Next up, the Demons will play in the Tarleton State Invitational Friday and Saturday in Stephenville, Texas. NSU will play two matches Friday as it takes on New Mexico Friday at 1 p.m. before a matchup with Prairie View A&M at 4 p.m. The Demons will wrap up the weekend Saturday at 7 p.m. against Tarleton State.