BETHANY, Okla. -- Midwestern State's Nicole Marzik and Hunter Porter combined for 29 kills to help the Mustangs rally to force a fifth set before Southern Nazarene came away with a 20-25, 25-14, 25-17, 17-25, 15-13 win Tuesday night at Sawyer Center.
 
It was the fourth straight loss for the Mustangs, who fell to 4-5 on the season.
 
Hot starting Midwestern got five of Marzik's team high 15 kills to fuel 16 total team kills and a .267 overall hitting percentage to give the Mustangs the early advantage.
 
But Southern Nazarene came alive to blister the ball at a .310 clip over the next two set and appeared to have the match under control until the Mustangs responded with a solid fourth set.
 
Porter, who finished with 14 kills, put down five kills in the fourth set as the Mustangs limited the Crimson Storm to 24 total attacks for a fifth and deciding set.
 
Southern Nazarene built up a 12-6 lead in the fifth set before holding on to clinch the match 15-13.
 
Sophomore middle blocker Sarah Garfield completed a solid all-around match with nine kills and seven blocks, while Marzik polished off her fifth double-double of the season with 11 digs.
 
Senior libero Casey Fletcher led back row play with 23 digs while sophomore setter Sarah Rosinke notched her third double-double with 35 set assists and 13 digs.
 
Sophomore defensive specialist Madelyn Johnson had 12 digs and two service aces.
 
Taylor Jacobs put down 19 kills to lead Southern Nazarene which improved to 7-2.
 
Midwestern State returns to Lone Star Conference with a pair of matches this weekend. The Mustangs take on Texas Woman's Friday night in Denton before traveling to face Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday. Both matches start at 7 p.m.