The Northwest Missouri State volleyball extended its winning streak to three games as the defense shined in a 3-1 win over Missouri Southern Saturday evening at the Leggett and Platt Athletic Center.

Northwest improved to 14-13 overall and 8-6 in the MIAA as the Lions remained winless on the year at 0-26 and 0-14. The Bearcats return home for the first of two final regular season home matches as they face first place Central Missouri Wednesday night at Bearcat Arena.

As a team the Bearcats recorded eight blocks and held Missouri Southern to a sub .100 hitting percentage in the win. Northwest raced out to a lead taking the first two sets before the Lions stole the third set, however the Bearcats dominated the fourth set to take the match 25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 25-18.

Tori Beckman led the Bearcat defense with 30 digs, as the senior continues to lead the MIAA with 5.54 digs per set.

Offensively, Abby Graves led Northwest in kills for the second straight night with 16 as sophomore teammate, Brooke Bartosh added 12.

The Bearcats sit in sixth place and continue to hold onto a spot in the MIAA postseason tournament as the top eight teams earn a berth. With just four games remaining, three of Northwest’s final four opponents all sit above them in the league standings.

Wednesday’s first serve against the Jennies from Bearcat Arena is slated for 7 p.m.

— NWMSU Sports Information —