ALVA, Okla. – The East Central University volleyball team resumed Great American Conference play Thursday night with a road contest against Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Despite defeating the Rangers in their first meeting this season, the Tigers couldn't replicate the same outcome, falling in four sets (25-20, 18-25, 9-25, 16-25).
 
With the loss, ECU drops to 5-7 in GAC play, while Northwestern improves to 3-9.
 
The Tigers came out strong in the opening set, hitting .211 with 19 kills to secure a 25-20 victory. However, momentum shifted in the second frame as the Rangers took an early lead and never looked back, using multiple serving runs to even the match with a 25-18 win.
 
Set three saw ECU struggle to regain its rhythm, as Northwestern jumped ahead 8-4 and then extended its advantage to 17-5 before cruising to a 25-9 victory. The Tigers looked to rally in set four, cleaning up errors and improving their offensive rhythm. However, the Rangers' efficiency at the net, hitting a match-high .367, kept them in control to seal the set 25-16 and the 3-1 match win.
 
Faiana Halatoa led the Tigers with a double-double, tallying 12 kills and 10 digs. Adelle McCormick and Kensington White added seven kills apiece. Emily Pena recorded 27 assists and nine digs, while Valentina Tijerina 17 digs and Jayla Buford 12 digs anchored the back row 17 digs and 12 digs, respectively.
 
ECU will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Durant to face Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m.