Bearcats swept by No. 7 Jennies

Thoroughly outplayed in the first two sets, Northwest Missouri State's volleyball team came within a point of taking the third set off No. 7 Central Missouri before the Jennies rallied to complete a 3-0 sweep Wednesday night at the Multi-Purpose Building.

The Jennies dominated the first two sets 25-12, 25-16 and fought off two set points to win the third 27-25.

Northwest fell to 11-8 overall and 5-2 in league play. Central (16-3, 8-0) beat Northwest for the 13th straight time and won for the 19th straight time at home.

The Jennies out-killed Northwest 54-28 and had at least 16 in each set.

The Bearcats were led offensively by Brooke Bartosh who was held to only nine kills and two blocks in the loss. Bartosh entered Wednesday's match averaging 3.06 kills per set, seventh best in the MIAA.

UCM combined for 10 blocks on the defensive end while holding the Bearcats to a negative hitting percentage in set one.

Northwest would gain momentum as the match continued taking a lead midway through the third set before the Jennies stormed back late to complete the sweep.

Dallas Gardner continued her steady play for Northwest with her seventh double-double of the season.

Gardner recorded 15 assists while helping on the defensive side of the net adding 10 digs.

Northwest returns to Bearcat Arena for a pair of weekend matches as they host Central Oklahoma Friday at 7 p.m. and continue with Pittsburg State in a rare Sunday afternoon matinee at 2 p.m.