FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball won a five-set thriller over Northwest Missouri State, 25-21, 19-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-11, Saturday at the Stubblefield Center to even its MIAA record to 3-3.

The Lions used a 6-0 run to break an 8-8 tie in the final set after Northwest Missouri had rallied from a 5-1 deficit. UAFS had a pair of aces during the run from middle Crystal Smith, then held off one final rally with a kill from outside hitter Bree Pardy to take the match.

With the match tied at a set apiece, the Lions used a 6-1 run to take a 10-5 lead in set three. However, a 10-1 run by the Bearcats gave the visitors an 18-13 advantage before the Lions rattled off three straight points to tie the set at 21.

After the Bearcats took a 23-21 lead, UAFS scored three straight to force a set point. Northwest would tie it at 24-24 before outside hitter Lydia Pitts gave the Lions the lead as they closed out the set on a block by Smith and right-side hitter Morgan Creer.

Northwest then jumped out to a 10-3 lead in set four as they came back to force the decisive fifth set.

Setter Trinity Funderburk and Pitts each posted double-doubles, as Funderburk had 24 assists and 10 digs while Pitts had a team-high 15 kills on a .364 attack percentage to go with 10 digs.

Creer hit .450 while adding 12 digs and Smith totaled 13 kills to go with six blocks and six digs.

Setter Scarlette Young tallied 25 assists with libero Abbey Jackson totaling a team-high 14 digs. Defensive specialist Eriza Tamez added 13 digs, as well.

The Lions' 12 aces were the most in an MIAA contest this season, as they received five from Pardy and four from Smith. UAFS had a 12-8 edge in blocks.

UAFS will wrap up nonconference play Tuesday against Arkansas-Monticello at 6 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.