The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team could not complete a comeback Saturday falling 3-1 to Emporia State in MIAA volleyball action.

Northwest fell to 11-13 on the year and 5-6 in league play as their losing skid hit six games on Saturday. The Lady Hornets improved to 17-7 overall and 6-4 in conference play as the Bearcats return home for an important matchup with rival Missouri Western on Tuesday.

The Bearcats looked improved on both sides of the net as they took the first set 25-20, but was not able to build on the momentum falling in the final three sets, 25-19, 27-25, 25-20.

The Lady Hornets seemed to be just one step ahead of the Bearcats most of the afternoon. Northwest rallied in the third set for a 24-24 tie and were poised to take a 2-1 lead in the match, however ESU answered with a short run to hold on for the win.

Three Bearcats tallied double figure kills led by Shelby Duren with 14. Brooke Bartosh and Mackie Keller added 12 each.

Bridget Hanafin recorded her first double-double of the year with 39 assists and 12 digs in the loss.

Northwest faces a tough final stretch with only three of their final seven games at home starting Tuesday against the Griffons. First serve from Bearcat Arena is set for 7 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —