FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Mustangs did not end the Lone Star regular season the way they hoped as the team dropped the last match 1-3 to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Wednesday night. With that, Midwestern State ends the season 9-6, their best winning percent (.600) since 2008.

With the loss, the team misses the chance to host for the postseason tournament. Instead, they will travel to play a school from the Central Division.

"It's always tough to end the season with a loss," Head Coach Valerie Armstrong stated. "However, we were in each set and just have to continue to improve in execution and consistency."

MSU started the match hard by going up 7-3 over the Lions. In this run, Autumn Roach notched two of her five service aces for the night. This is the setter's season high, previously beating the four she had against Oklahoma Christian. The freshman led both teams in assists with 24, with four coming in the first set.

The home team pulled through to even up at 10 all and pushed the battle. Kaitlynn Stoker came in clutch for MSU with five kills in the set and totaled eight for the game. The outside hitter had five digs and one block assist.

Unfortunately, the sophomore could not help the team to the win as UAFS grabbed the first set 25-21 and gained the 1-0 lead.

The momentum carried for Arkansas-Fort Smith into the second as they opened up 7-0 on two service aces by Courtney Crownover. Freshman Lauryn Bourne kicked into gear to push her team to tie at 18 all. She put in five kills and an ace in the set for 17 total kills, which was the most for all players. The outside hitter put up a .255 hitting percent, 16 digs and 1 block assist for the Mustangs.

Excellent serving by Kaitlyn Masseth put Midwestern State ahead at 24-23. The setter recorded five assists and two service aces in the set. In the end, the sophomore had 20 assists and 5 digs in the game. For set two though, the Lions beat the Mustangs 26-24.

Now MSU had to win the next set for a chance at gaining the match. Lissette Lefforge put in five kills and one service ace on the offensive side. The senior totaled 12 kills, a .269 hitting percent and 2 block assists for the game.

Keetyn Davis served five times in the third to help Midwestern State to the 25-22 win. The freshman added five assists, a personal best for the season. She made 21 digs and 1 service ace on the night.

With the win, MSU was hopeful for another going into the fourth and final set. A 9-1 run propelled Arkansas-Fort Smit to the 25-19 win. Taylor Anderson registered three kills and two block assists for the Mustangs. Bella Muir ended the game with a season-high 14 digs.

With the final loss against UAFS, the best that Midwestern State can finish is second in the North Division of the LSC with an 8-4 conference record.

 "I'm proud that we finished second in our pod and we are looking forward to the first round of the tournament," Armstrong said. "We will continue to execute our game plan, serve tough, and take care of our side of the net."

The team starts the opening round of the Lone Star Conference post-season tournament on Tuesday, March 23. Time, location and opponent will determine after all teams are finished playing in the regular season. Check for updates on the website.