SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team dropped its season-opening match for the first time in six seasons as the Northern State University Wolves picked up a 3-0 sweep at the Augustana Classic.

Northern State won by set scores of 25-23, 25-23 and 25-20.

Northwest held an early 8-4 advantage over Northern State. The Wolves battled back to knot up the opening set at 9-9. The set was tied at 16-16 before Northern State went on a 5-1 run to take a 21-17 lead. Northwest responded with a 4-0 spurt to even it back up at 21-21. The squads were tied at 22-22 and 23-23, but NSU was able to tally the final two points to take the opening set, 25-23.

Northwest faced a 10-4 deficit to begin the second set. Northern State eventually led 18-12 before Northwest responded. The Bearcats drew even at 23-23, only to see the Wolves capture the final two points again for a second straight 25-23 triumph.

The Wolves sprinted out to a 4-0 lead in the opening moments of the third set. Northwest came back with a 6-2 run to level the set at 6-6. NSU went back up by four at 15-11. Northwest closed to within 17-16 but could not overcome NSU in the final set. NSU took the third set, 25-20.

Olivia Dir notched her sixth career double-double as she logged 13 kills and 17 digs. Natalie Laiolo gained her third career double-double with 24 assists and 13 digs. Junior Kasidy Mohwinkle produced a career-high 13 kills.

Northwest will continue action at the Sanford Pentagon Friday with matches against Alaska-Anchorage (11:15 a.m.) and against Augustana (6 p.m.).