CARROLLTON, Ga.- The Northwestern State Demon volleyball team competed hard despite being swept by the West Georgia Wolves 25-17, 25-19 and 25-23 in the season opener Friday afternoon in the West Georgia Tournament.
The Demons (0-1) fell behind in the opening set 4-0 before rallying back to cut the Wolves' lead to 7-6 after a kill by freshman
Olivia Nzioki and an attack error by WGU. NSU, however, found themselves in a huge hole as they trailed 22-11 late in the set before a Demons' service error clinched a 25-17 win for the Wolves (1-0).
NSU grabbed the early advantage in the second set as
Elsie Sanchez's ace gave the Demons a 4-1 lead. Later in the set, kills by sophomore
Kenadii Winfrey and Nzioki put the Demons in front 9-5. However, the Wolves rallied to retake the lead as they had a 15-14 lead midway through the set and then pulled out to a 21-17 advantage before hanging on for the set two win on a kill by Valiree Schmus.
Despite the 0-2 hole, NSU refused to quit as they pushed WGU to the brink in the third set. The Demons trailed 17-12 seemingly on their way to a quiet finish. However, they rallied to cut the Wolves' lead to 21-20 after a killer Sanchez. Then, with NSU trailing 24-20, they scored three straight points to put the Wolves on their heels highlighted by two kills from freshman
Amber Craig and an attack error by the Wolves setting up a 24-23 point to decide the match.
NSU would be called for an attack error on match point as the Wolves held on for the win in the final set giving the homestanding WGU a three-set win.
"They had two kids that hit the ball really hard and got a little timid," said Demon head coach
Ben Kaszeta. "I thought we fought really hard today. Even through the hard stuff. The resilience was real at the end. Our middle hitters were really good when we could get them the ball. Every set we learn. We definitely got better set by set."
The Demons were led by Nzioki and Craig with nine kills each while Sanchez added eight.
Jade Longlad finished with 31 assists and had two aces.
Emmarie McFarland had 17 digs to aid the Demons' defense.
The Wolves finished with 37 kills to 35 for NSU. WGU hit .295 while the Demons finished .181.
Next up, the Demons will play two matches Saturday as they take on Presbyterian College at 9 a.m. CT before wrapping up the tournament at noon CT against Grambling.
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