TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State volleyball fell to Arkansas-Fort Smith in straight sets Friday night, losing 25-21, 25-13, 25-22 at the NSU Event Center.
The RiverHawks (1-21, 0-9 MIAA) battled in the opening set, recording 14 kills, but the Lions pulled away late to take a 25-21 win. Fort Smith controlled the second set, winning 25-13, before Northeastern State mounted a stronger challenge in the third.
NSU pushed the final set to a 22-22 tie after rallying from an early deficit, but Fort Smith scored the final three points to close out the match.
Simeon Paradiso led the RiverHawks with nine kills, while
Poliana Lazarini added seven kills and 12 digs.
Sydney Dunkleberger finished with 18 assists and six digs, and
Cailey Grinstead contributed 11 digs.
Fort Smith was led by Breanna Smith, who recorded 14 kills, as the Lions finished with 46 kills and hit .288. Northeastern State totaled 33 kills and hit .099.
The RiverHawks return to action Oct. 30, traveling to face Northwest Missouri State.
