ABILENE, Texas (WNTZ) – Northwestern State fell in straight sets to Abilene Christian on Wednesday night, dropping a 3-0 decision (25-9, 25-20, 25-15) in non-conference play at Moody Coliseum.

The Demons (1-3) surrendered a 9-1 run in the opening set after scoring the first point, with the Wildcats (2-2) rolling behind 11 kills.

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Northwestern State responded in the second set, jumping out to a 6-2 lead before Abilene Christian answered with a 13-2 run to take control at 15-8. The Demons cut the deficit to 16-14, but the Wildcats held on to take the set. Abilene Christian tallied 21 kills without an attack error through the first two sets and finished the night with just four errors overall.

“We are learning and fighting every day,” first-year NSU head coach Ben Kaszeta said. “Today, we felt like a young team struggling to find our identity. The second set showed us what we are capable of being. Things are slowly getting better.”

Freshman Elsie Sanchez Oliver led the Demons with eight kills, while senior Deja Benjamin added six. Redshirt freshman Reagan Hamm recorded nine assists and four digs, and Makenna Tyron chipped in six digs.

Abilene Christian was led by Annaleise Sevier with nine kills. Rachel Koss distributed 26 assists for the Wildcats.

Northwestern State continues its road swing at the Tarleton State Invitational in Stephenville, Texas. The Demons face New Mexico at 1 p.m. Friday before a 4 p.m. match against Prairie View A&M. They close the weekend Saturday at 7 p.m. against host Tarleton State.