FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad dropped its second straight five-set decision of the weekend as the Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions prevailed by scores of 25-21, 19-25, 26-24, 19-25 and 15-11.

UAFS improved to 12-6 overall and 3-3 in league play, while Northwest dipped to 6-9 overall and 0-6 in MIAA matches.

Northwest Missouri State started the first set with a solid performance, highlighted by Kate Frakes' kill off an assist from Ella Caffery, helping the team to an early 3-1 lead. Despite a service error allowing a brief comeback from Arkansas-Fort Smith, the Bearcats regained momentum with another kill from Natalie Herrington, narrowing the score to 9-12. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith capitalized on several service aces and errors, creating a challenging environment for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats fought back with a service ace from Karsen VanScoy, closing the gap to 16-18. Abby Bulthuis and Frakes combined for a block to further tighten the scoreline at 15-18. As the set progressed, the Bearcats continued to apply pressure with kills from Frakes and Gabrielle Gartner, bringing the score to 20-22. Ultimately, Arkansas-Fort Smith managed to close out the set 25-21, despite Northwest Missouri State's persistent efforts to keep the score competitive.

Northwest Missouri State started the second set with a surge, as Gabrielle Gartner and Frakes combined for key blocks and kills, keeping the score close at the beginning. The Bearcats showcased strong defensive plays, limiting Arkansas-Fort Smith's scoring opportunities and closing an early gap to tie the score at 7-7.

Momentum shifted as Herrington and Bulthuis delivered crucial points, aided by Caffery's assists. The Bearcats extended their lead with a series of attacks and blocks, building a 15-12 advantage. Northwest Missouri State maintained control, closing the set on a decisive run that included service aces and kills, culminating in a 25-19 win to secure the set.

The third set began with Northwest Missouri State making an immediate impact as Gartner and Frakes scored early kills, assisted by Caffery, to tie the score at 2-2. As the set progressed, Bulthuis and Kasidy Mohwinkle delivered crucial points, with Mohwinkle's service ace narrowing the margin to 10-7. Despite a series of exchanges with Arkansas-Fort Smith, the Bearcats managed a significant momentum shift with a 6-0 run, propelled by Caffery's service ace and kills from Gartner, to take a 14-12 lead.

Northwest Missouri State continued to capitalize on errors by Arkansas-Fort Smith, extending their lead to 18-13 with contributions from Mohwinkle and Gartner. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith mounted a late comeback, tying the score at 23-23. Despite a late kill from Frakes to level the score at 24-all, Arkansas-Fort Smith regained control with a final push to secure the set 26-24.

Northwest Missouri State started the fourth set with a surge, quickly establishing a 6-0 lead. This early momentum was fueled by two consecutive service aces from Caffery and a kill by Bulthuis. The team capitalized on this momentum, extending their lead to 10-3 with another service ace from Frakes.

Arkansas-Fort Smith attempted to mount a response, but the Bearcats maintained control of the set. Gartner and Frakes added key kills, assisted by Caffery, keeping the lead at 15-8. Northwest Missouri State's strong defense forced multiple attack errors from the opponent, which widened the gap to 21-12.

As the set closed, the Bearcats withstood a brief rally from Arkansas-Fort Smith, who scored four consecutive points to narrow the margin. However, a decisive kill by Frakes ended the set at 25-19, securing the set for Northwest Missouri State.

In the decisive fifth set, Northwest Missouri State initially found themselves trailing as Ark.-Fort Smith opened with a 3-0 run, highlighted by a service ace from Aspen Olson. Bulthuis put the Bearcats on the board with a kill assisted by Caffery, but the home team maintained an early lead.

Momentum shifted briefly when Mohwinkle's kill and a block by Gartner and Herrington helped Northwest Mo. St. tie the score at 6-6. Ark.-Fort Smith responded with a service ace and continued to capitalize on attack errors to pull ahead 14-8.

Despite a late push with kills from Herrington and a block by Caffery and Herrington, the Bearcats could not overcome the deficit. The final point came from a kill by Bree Pardy, sealing the set 15-11 in favor of Ark.-Fort Smith and concluding the match.

Caffery recorded 50 assists and added four service aces, contributing significantly to the team's offensive execution. Frakes led the team with 15.5 points, posting 12 kills on 23 attempts and achieving a .391 hitting percentage. Bulthuis added 14 kills and contributed three block assists, amassing a total of 17.5 points. VanScoy led the defensive effort with 17 digs, providing stability in the back row.