Natchitoches, La. – The Central Arkansas volleyball team returned to the court for the first time in over a week on Thursday night, facing off against the Lady Demons of Northwestern State. For the first time in just over two years, the Sugar Bears dropped a match to a Southland Conference opponent, falling to the Lady Demons 3-0.

Central Arkansas (15-8, 10-1 SLC) was out-hit by Northwestern State by a tally of .263 to .108 on the night. The Sugar Bears hit .000 while dropping the first set 25-15, .158 while losing the second set 25-23, and .188 while dropping the third set 25-22.

Heather Schnars had turned in a match-high 17 kills for the Sugar Bears, who saw their 38-match winning streak against SLC opponents come to an end. Amy South, who made her return after missing 11 matches with a wrist injury, tallied a match-high 23 assists, while Kristine Hjembo chipped in with 10. Defensively, the Sugar Bears were led by Shelbee Berringer's match-high 20 digs and Megan Nash's two blocks.

Stacey DiFrancesco led Northwestern State (11-14, 8-4 SLC) with eight kills, while Mackenzie Neely, Caiti O'Connell, and Glynna Johnson each added seven. Natalie Jaeger dished out 17 assists and Emily Johnson added 15, while Bailey Martin dug 16 Central Arkansas attacks.

Central Arkansas looks to get a new streak started on Saturday. The Sugar Bears travel to Nacogdoches, Texas to take on the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks, who currently lead the SLC with a perfect 11-0 record in league play. The match is set to begin at 1:00 PM.