FULTON – Despite a pair of solid efforts against future in-state rivals Pearl River and Itawamba, the Northwest volleyball program fell in straight sets to both opponents on Wednesday afternoon, closing out a brief but valuable fall slate of exhibition matches.

Northwest is expected to return to the court on Saturday, Jan. 16 for preseason scrimmages at Bevill State (Ala.). The Lady Rangers will travel to Poplarville to face Pearl River and Coastal Alabama-East on Saturday, Jan. 23 to open the regular season.


Pearl River 3, Northwest 0
(Set scores: 17-25, 22-25, 23-25)

Although Pearl River took the first set by a considerable margin, Northwest fought back in the final two sets to take the Lady Wildcats to the brink.

Kapria Manning once again delivered a strong performance for the Lady Rangers, earning a team-best nine kills. Sydney Sides also delivered six kills.

Kamryn Conner led with 14 digs, followed by eight from Taylor Smith.


Itawamba 3, Northwest 0
(Set scores: 19-25, 13-25, 15-25)

After a thrilling battle between both teams on Oct. 31, the rematch between Northwest and Itawamba did not come with the same energy the second time around, as ICC closed out its match with two strong victories in the second and third sets.

Manning and Chariah Mabry finished with four kills apiece, along with a team-best 13 digs from Sides. Smith also earned 10 digs, followed by nine from Allison Greene.

Additionally, Conner finished the match with two aces.