NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Northwestern State Demons volleyball team faced tough competition from the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals, losing 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-16) in their Southland Conference opener at Prather Coliseum.
From the start, the Demons struggled, falling behind 7-2. Makenna Tryon managed to break the Cardinals’ momentum with a solid kill, but it wasn’t enough. The Cardinals took control, securing the first set with a strong performance, finishing with 11 kills compared to NSU’s three.
In the second set, UIW maintained their dominance, racing to a 19-11 lead and ultimately winning the set. The third set saw the Demons rally a bit, trailing 15-13 after another kill by Tryon. However, the Cardinals quickly pulled ahead, scoring seven of the next ten points and clinching the match.
Demon head coach Ben Kaszeta commented on the team’s challenges. “Our hitting percentage just isn’t good enough,” he noted, emphasizing the need for better decision-making during plays. Despite the team’s hitting struggles (0.002 percentage), he was encouraged by their effort in the final set.
“We’re still battling,” Kaszeta said. “Every match is either a win or a learning experience. It’s important to stay positive and mature in our gameplay.” The Demons showed teamwork, with Tryon and Deja Benjamin each contributing five kills. Additionally, Reagan Hamm delivered 15 assists, while Tryon recorded 12 digs.
Looking ahead, the Demons will take on the Houston Christian Huskies at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. As they continue in conference play, they hope to build on their experience and improve their performance.
For those interested in trends from the volleyball scene, recent data from the NCAA shows that hitting efficiency is critical in gaining a competitive edge. Teams with higher hitting percentages often dominate matches, highlighting the need for teams like the Demons to refine their strategies and execution.
As fans take to social media, reactions about this match are flooding in. Supporters are calling for better stays in the game and discussing key players to watch in upcoming matches. The resilience of the team encourages a belief in future successes.
