TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State volleyball dropped a four-set match to Newman on Thursday at Fugate Gymnasium, falling 26-24, 25-27, 25-16, 25-13.

The RiverHawks battled throughout the opening two sets, narrowly dropping the first before responding with a hard-fought victory in the second. Newman took control in the final two sets to secure the match.

Northeastern State came close to taking the opening set, rallying to tie the score at 24-24 before Newman scored the final two points for a 26-24 win.

The RiverHawks answered in the second set with another tight finish. After the teams were tied at 24, Northeastern State pulled ahead and held on for a 27-25 victory to even the match at one set apiece.

Newman regained momentum in the third set, using a strong offensive performance to win 25-16. The Jets continued their push in the fourth set, closing out the match with a 25-13 victory.

Simeon Paradiso led Northeastern State with 14 kills on 35 attacks, while Poliana Lazarini added seven kills. Paige Miller contributed five kills, and Devine Okon finished with three.

Sydney Dunkleberger recorded 18 assists, while Avery Dempsey added 12 assists. Jordyn Berger led the RiverHawks with nine digs, followed by Lazarini with 11 and Brooke Tyler with eight. Tyler also recorded three service aces, and Berger added two.

Newman was led by Sky Miller, who recorded 19 kills, and Isabella Lamb, who added 18. Madalyn Hoot finished with 49 assists as the Jets totaled 61 kills and hit .262 for the match. Northeastern State recorded 38 kills and hit .113.

The RiverHawks will remain in the Wichita area to face Pittsburg State at 4 p.m. Friday.