The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team finished 2-2 at the Missouri S&T Middle of Everywhere Classic losing to No. 3 Southwest Minnesota State and host Missouri S&T Saturday.

The Bearcats hung with the 3rd-ranked Mustangs in the day’s first match before falling 25-17, 25-19, 25-9. Southwest Minnesota stepped up with solid defensive play recording nine blocks as a team as the Bearcats posted four.

The Lady Miners did no favors for Northwest as they took the tournament’s final match 25-21, 27-29, 25-17, 25-21. A pair of Bearcats would post double-doubles to highlight the tournament’s final game of the weekend.

Abby Graves tallied her first double-double with 14 kills and 11 digs in the loss.

The Bearcat defense stepped up as well with Tori Beckman recording 28 digs to lead the team. Dallas Gardner also finished with a double-double as she added 31 assists and 10 digs.

Northwest moves to 4-4 on the year as they will open conference play at Missouri Western on Tuesday. Tipoff from St. Joseph is set for 7 p.m. as the Bearcats will open their home schedule on Friday against Lindenwood.

— NWMSU Sports Information —