ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Mustangs went to No. 3 Northwestern Wednesday night and fell in straight sets 25-27, 18-25, 20-25.

The Mustangs gave it their all in the first set, holding a 23-22 lead late in the set and getting a shot at set point 25-24. After a Northwestern timeout, the Red Raiders scored three straight points to win the set 27-25.

The Mustangs had their best hitting performance of the match in the second set, hitting .158 with 13 kills, but Northwestern hit .441 with 18 kills to win the set.

The Mustangs hung around for a majority of the third set, but the Red Raiders firepower proved to be too much as they hit .213 to seal a win.

Payten Lode tallied 11 kills and 12 digs to pace the Mustang charge. Sydney Marlow added seven kills. Aleksandra Dalach picked up 25 assists and 12 digs. Payton Shoquist led the team with 15 digs and Marlow added 11 digs. 

The Mustangs return home to take on Hastings Saturday at 3 p.m.