NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Northwestern State Demons hit a season-low .020 in a straight set loss to the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks (25-17, 25-17 and 25-19) Saturday afternoon at Shelton Gym on the campus of SFA.
The Demons (12-13, 4-6 SLC) finished the match with 27 kills 25 errors on 98 attacks for their lowest total of the season.
Elizabeth Muguruza led the Demons with seven kills while
Jade Longlad had 21 assists and
Emmarie McFarland 11 digs.
Amber Craig and
Kenadii Winfrey both had five kills while
Elsie Sanchez and
Olivia Nzioki both had four to pace NSU.
The Ladyjacks (14-9, 8-2 SLC) had a balanced attack as Molly Craves led with eight kills while Avery Koonsen had seven and Caroline Kahle added six. SFA hit .325 for the match (39-9-83).
NSU fell behind 18-10 and 24-13 in the first set before scoring four straight points to try and gain some momentum going into the second set.
The Demons were much more competitive in the second set as they trailed 16-14 after an ace by Muguruza. But the Ladyjacks surged out to a 23-16 advantage in the second before clinching it 25-17.
NSU simply couldn't overcome the efficient attack of SFA as they trailed 19-11 in the third set. The Demons cut the gap to 20-15 but that's as close they would get as SFA picked up the win in straight sets.
"SFA has a great program, great culture and a great atmosphere," said Demon head coach
Ben Kaszeta. "Their expectations are super high and the kids answered it today. We are learning how but not quite there yet. Their block bothered us a whole lot today. That's a reoccurring theme as of late. As we mature as volleyball players you learn 'hope to get around that block'. I have to remind myself that this team is freshman that are being counted on to know that already. We are learning."
The Ladyjacks dominated at the net with 15 blocks to just four for the Demons. SFA finished 36 kills to NSU's 27.
SFA improved to 28-1 all-time against the Demons at home with NSU's lone win in Nacogdoches coming Nov. 6, 2013.
Next up, the Demons will return home to face the Houston Christian Huskies (4-17, 2-9 SLC) Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. with just six regular season games remaining. NSU defeated the Huskies back on Sept. 24 in Houston, 3-1.
