FORT SMITH, Ark. – Midwestern State's big 3-2 win over Arkansas-Fort Smith killed their opponents' seven game win streak and pushed MSU's chances of hosting a playoff game closer. The Mustangs move to 9-5 on the season and 8-3 in Lone Star Conference play. The team also records their first winning season since 2013.
 
"Winning in five on the road, it was a team effort," Head Coach Valerie Armstrong said.  "Everyone rose to the occasion to bring something when we needed it to win. We served tough and that is how you beat a team like Fort Smith."
 
The first set started rocky for the visitors as they dropped 5-2 to the Lions. The Mustangs quickly rebounded to tie it at six all. This was helped by a Lauryn Bourne kill. The freshman totaled nine kills and a .150 attack percent in all five sets. She also added 11 digs on the defensive side.
 
A 6-0 run helped the team to the 25-16 win, but they fell in the next set 18-25.
 
The second started slow but the team pushed against UAFS. Lissette Lefforge recorded four kills in the set and 14 total, which led both teams. The middle blocker put up a .321 hitting percent plus three service aces. These aces are a season best and she also put up four block assists.
 
"Lefforge and Anderson had solid offensive performances tonight. Keetyn Davis had 24 digs stepping into the libero position for the first time this season. She did a great job in the back court."
 
Taylor Anderson put up 12 kills for MSU and added two solo blocks and two block assists, her season high total blocks. She led all hitters with a .526 hitting percent for the game.
 
Davis recorded 24 digs, the most of all players and her best for all games this year. The freshman gave the Mustangs two service aces, both to start the third set.
 
The team looked to have the third set put away after getting up 10-3 from Arkansas-Fort Smith's attack errors. The Lions tied the set at 19 and took over from there to win 25-23.
 
Not giving up, Midwestern State went on to win the next two sets 25-20 and 15-8. Alyssa Estrada-Hamby added three kills and one block assist in the fourth. The middle hitter made eight kills and four block assists for the match.
 
Kaitlynn Stoker fueled a 9-1 run to take the game. The sophomore had six kills, one service ace, and two block assists. One of these blocks was with Raven Presley who tied her season best four blocks. The right side hitter made seven kills and four digs.
 
The team finishes the regular season on Wednesday, March 10, in the second game at Arkansas-Fort Smith. First serve is set for 6 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.