The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team fell to the University of Central Missouri, 3-1, on Tuesdayevening at the UCM Multipurpose Building. The loss drops the Bearcats to 11-16 overall and 5-9 in MIAA play. Central Missouri improves to 27-1 on the season and 13-1 in conference action.

UCM was able to pull away in the first set, 25-19, after Northwest had tied the set early at 10-10. The Bearcats challenged the Jennies throughout the second set, drawing the set to a 20-20 tie late. But UCM was again able to find enough points to go into the break up, 2-0, with a 25-22 victory.

Northwest’s best set came in the third, winning 25-20. The Bearcats scored five of the last seven points of the set, finished off by a pair of kills from sophomore Shelby Duren. The Bearcats were unable to withstand a UCM rally early in the fourth set and dropped the point, 25-15.

Duren led the way with 12 kills and 10 digs for the Bearcats. Junior BrookeBartosh had 11 kills and two blocks. Junior Kirsten Hudgens had 23 assists and senior Bridget Hanafin added 18 assists and 12 digs. Junior Bailey Vance had 23 digs.

Northwest returns to action on Saturday with a 2 p.m. contest against Nebraska-Kearney at Bearcat Arena.

— Northwest Sports Information —