NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State Demons' volleyball team was beaten in straight set by the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 25-21, 25-20 and 25-18 Thursday night at Prather Coliseum.
The Demons (10-10, 2-3 SLC) came out in the first set ready to compete as they trailed just 14-13 following back-to-back service errors by the Vaqueros (9-7, 5-0 SLC). However, UTRGV methodically pulled away in the opening set as they finished with 16 kills in the frame hitting a monstrous .462 (16 kills, 4 errors, 26 attacks).
In the second set, NSU trailed 15-8 at the media timeout. The Vaqueros continued to pull away as Martina Franco, Petkovic and Juliana Bryant controlled the match for UTRVG with all finishing with double-digit kills. NSU had seven attack errors in the second set to lead to a 25-20 UTRGV win.
In the third frame, UTRGV kept their foot on the gas as they opened a 10-6 lead. The Demons tied the set at 15-15 thanks to two kills by Elsie Sancehz, one
Elizabeth Murgurza Rebollo and three attack errors by the Vaqueros. But UTRGV scored seven of the next eight points to take a commanding 22-16 lead on their way to a straight set win.
"UTRGV has a really balanced attack," said Demon head coach
Ben Kaszeta. "The Franco kid on the outside is stellar and the lefty that transferred from California (Petkovic) is a very good player. So, they can both move around and create angles that are hard to defend. We would get in there and take something away from their game play but then to change it and adjust is what makes them really good. That's why they've been so successful in the league."
With the win, UTRGV has won 20 straight regular season Southland Conference matches. The Vaqueros were led by Petkovic with 15 kills while Bryant and Franco both had 10.
The Demons had their bright spots including freshman
Amber Craig who finished with 11 kills. Sanchez and
Olivia Nzioki both had eight kills while Nzioki also had two solo blocks and three block assists.
Sophomore
Emmarie McFarland returned to form with 14 digs. Senior
Jade Longlad continued her steady play with 27 assists.
Next up, the Demons will face the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (6-10, 4-1 SLC) Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. to wrap up the Demons' four-game Southland homestand. The Islanders won on the road Thursday as they defeated East Texas A&M (8-10, 2-3 SLC) 3-1.
Fans can watch Saturday's match on ESPN+ as Patrick Netherton and Caley Carter will have the call. Live stats will be available at NSUDemons.com while live updates can be found on twitter/X on the NSU volleyball page @NSUDemonsVB.
