SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The #17^th ranked University of Providence women's volleyball team fell to #16 Oklahoma City 3-2 (25-23, 25-23, 22-25, 21-25. 13-15) in the first round of the National Tournament on Tuesday/

The Argos (24-7) started off in a precarious situation, losing the first two sets by a score a 25-23. Though both games were close, the Argos had a hard time keeping up with the Stars' attack.

"I was surprised we started off so slow," head coach Arunas Duda said. "We struggled at the net early and we couldn't slow down their offense in the first two sets. Once we were able to catch up to the speed, our blocking and defense got better, and everything else followed."

They responded valiantly, getting off to a hot start in the 3rd set before sealing the deal 25-22. The Argos commanded a majority of the 4th set as well, winning 25-21.

"We wanted to reestablish the game plan in that 3^rd set," Duda said. "We didn't' run the game plan in first two sets well. We wanted to establish our middles to help our offense get going and we wanted to slow down their middles. That was the key. But we also got a fire in our belly. This is the National Tournament and we wanted them to play like it."

The Argos took control early in the 5th set, claiming a 12-9 lead. However a late surge from the Stars propelled them to victory.

"We had opportunities to score down the stretch," Duda said. "We got too tight and too tense with a lot riding on the line. We tried to be careful instead of letting it all hang out and play. We got too tense and too afraid to make errors and make plays. But we wanted to go out fighting and I'm proud of the girls for doing that."

Kelsey Shaver led the team with 20 kills. Jensyn Turner contributed 17 kills and Aver Dyer netted 13. Cydney Finberg-Roberts led the team with 50 assists; she also contributed 12 digs and two kills. Dyer led the team with 21 digs, while Shaver and Legros recorded 20 and 15 respectively.

The Stars were led by Lacy Beeler, who recorded 20 kills and had 13 digs. Marijana Bjelobrk also netted 12 kills and 14 digs. Sophia Salak recorded 60 assists for the Stars.

Though the Argos lost their opening game, they are not completely out of the tournament. They will face #1 seed Park tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., and a win would inch them closer to qualifying for the knockout round.

"It's understandable that we're all disappointed," Duda said. "I told the girls in the locker room that it's okay to have some time to get over it. But we have to get over it. We have to prepare ourselves. The great thing about sports is that the greatest stories come from the greatest challenges. What an opportunity tomorrow to take on the #1 seed with our backs against the wall in an absolute must win game. As disappointing as today is, I have a lot of confidence in the girls. It took us a little bit but we played well towards the end. We have to build off that confidence and play like I know we can play tomorrow."

The University of Providence will be hosting a watch party for those interested in watching the Argo volleyball compete at the National Tournament. The watch party, which will stream all Argo games, will take place in the Student Center on the big screens next to the cafeteria. Follow @UPArgos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details! 

If you can't make the Watch Party, you can watch the game on your own streaming device on the NAIA Network. Single-day passes can be purchased for $9.95, a pool play pass is $24.95, and a championship package is available at $39.95.