ALVA, Okla. – Southern Arkansas secured its eighth consecutive win with a 3-1 decision over Northwestern Oklahoma State in Great American Conference volleyball play Saturday at Percefull Fieldhouse.  Scores were 25-15, 25-27, 25-9 and 25-21.
 
The Lady Muleriders' overall 10-2 start to the season and 5-0 beginning in conference play is the best in 21 years, matching the 1991 team that began the same way.  That club finished 23-7 overall and second to Harding in the AIC at 10-2, and ended the season with a loss to the Lady Bisons in the final of the NAIA District 17 tournament.
 
SAU overpowered the hapless Rangers (0-14, 0-6 GAC) Saturday, keeping them winless in getting 43 kills to 35.
 
Junior outside hitter Courtney Geesing (Montrose, Colo.) had a match-high 12 kills to lead Southern Arkansas.
 
They also totaled 16 service aces in the match, getting five apiece from junior outside hitter Denise De Vine (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) and junior setter Klaire Blasco Vine (Downey, Calif.).  Junior libero Lauren Woods (Kennedale, Texas) added three service aces, and had a match-high 14 digs.
 
Paola Turibio paced Northwestern with 10 kills, and Breanna Walthers had 11 digs.
 
The Lady Muleriders continue league play Tuesday, traveling to Arkadelphia to face Ouachita Baptist in a 6:30 p.m. match.  SAU won a five-set thriller over the Lady Tigers two weeks ago in Magnolia.