BIRMINGHAM - Northwest had its moments in Wednesday's match at Lawson State, but the Lady Cougars defended the home court with a 3-1 victory.

Kapria Manning led the Lady Rangers with 19 assists and 18 kills, while Alexia Davis totaled 17 assists. Julissa Soto compiled a team-leading 18 digs, followed by 12 from Taylor Smith.

Lawson State opened the first set with a 7-3 lead and built a 16-10 advantage. Northwest closed the gap to three, but the Lady Cougars broke away once again for a 22-14 lead.

Despite being on the ropes and facing set point, the Lady Rangers took the next three points and cut the deficit to 24-19, before Lawson State finally clinched the first set.

Northwest broke a 6-6 tie in the second set by taking the next five points and an 11-6 lead. The Lady Rangers kept the momentum going with a 16-9 advantage, but Lawson State held serve to rally back for a 20-20 tie.

Northwest had set point with a 24-23 lead, but Lawson State responded by earning the next three points to steal a 26-24 second set victory.

A strong third set performance was the main highlight of the match for Northwest, as the Lady Rangers took a 5-2 lead and never looked back. The Lady Cougars were able to close the gap late in the set, but Northwest held on to force a fourth set.

Lawson State would flip the script in the fourth set however, as the Lady Cougars took the early lead and never looked back, closing out the match with a 25-17 decision to clinch the match.

Northwest dropped to 4-6 overall, while Lawson State improved to 5-3 on the season. The Lady Rangers will resume competition at Pearl River on Friday, February 26 at 5/7 P.M.