Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas Sugar Bears dropped their first set of the Southland Conference on Thursday, but still managed to improve to 5-0 in the SLC with a 3-1 win over upset-minded Northwestern State.

The Lady Demons (7-9, 3-1 SLC) came into the match just in third place, just behind the Sugar Bears (13-3, 5-0 SLC) who were tied for second place with Oral Roberts. Northwestern State won the first set 25-15, but Central Arkansas responded well, taking the second set 25-22, the third set 25-20, and the fourth set 26-24 to pick up the victory.

Jessica Nagy led the way offensively for the Sugar Bears, racking up a match-high 16 kills to go along with seven digs and three blocks. Heather Schnars picked up a double-double, tallying 13 kills and ten digs, as well as adding five blocks and an ace. Marissa Collins keyed a Central Arkansas offense that hit .204 on the night, dishing out 48 assists, while Shelbee Berringer helped the Sugar Bear defense hold the Lady Demons to a hitting percentage of .136 by racking up a season-high 31 digs. Caiti O'Connell led the Lady Demons with 14 kills, while Emily Johnson and Natalie Jaeger each doled out 20 assists. Keelie Arneson dug up a match-high 34 balls.

Central Arkansas returns to the court on Saturday at noon, hosting Stephen F. Austin.