MARYVILLE, Mo. - The No. 21-ranked University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos scored a 3-0 win over the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team in three tightly contested sets in Bearcat Arena.

UCO won by set scores of 25-23, 25-21 and 25-23. Central Oklahoma improved to 17-3 overall and 8-2 in MIAA play, while Northwest dropped to 9-9 overall and 4-6 in league action.

The Bronchos had advantages in kills (56-39), digs (82-63) and hitting percentage (.256 - .200). The Bearcats were able to hang with the Bronchos with a strong block attack that had Northwest enjoying a 10-2 advantage.

Avery Kemp posted seven kills, six blocks, three service aces and a dig. Peyton Kirchhoefer landed a team-best eight kills on 41 swings to go along with 14 digs. Natalie Laiolo was credited with a team-high 31 assists and scored a double-double with 11 digs. Kyah Luhring led the 'Cats with 20 digs.

UCO held a 23-17 lead late in the first set before Northwest charged back behind the serving of Kemp. Northwest rattled off six straight points to level the set at 23-23. UCO found a way to score the final two points to escape with a 25-23 win in the opener.

Northwest trailed 17-10 in the second set before closing to within three points on two occasions. But UCO was able to fend off Northwest and took the second set, 25-21.

The third set featured six ties and two lead changes. UCO built its largest lead of six at 16-10 before having to hold off the pesky Bearcats. Northwest came all the way back to knot the set at 22-22 before UCO was able to score three of the last four points and take it, 25-23. 

Northwest will be back in action Saturday at 3 p.m. at home against the Pittsburg State Gorillas.