ASHLAND, Ore. – Northwest University came back from a first set loss to win three straight and defeat Simpson University this afternoon 3-1 (22-25, 25-9, 25-23, 25-12) in their final match in the Paul Elliott Invitational at Southern Oregon University.

Simpson battled back from being down 11-8 in the first set to take the lead for good after the set's final tie at 14-14. A 5-0 run by the Hawks capped off by Jasmine Wallace's service ace would put Simpson into the lead 19-14. Northwest would make it close as Rae Ann Haistings' kill would make it a one point set, 23-22, but two kills by Audrey Green would seal the win for SU.

The second set would be all Northwest as Alivia Johnson's two kills would give NU a substantial 17-3 lead and they would not look back as they would cruise to a 25-9 set win.

Simpson would rebound in the 3rd set and keep it a tight, close set the entire way with 8 ties. With the set knotted at 20-all, Northwest would take the lead for good as Rae Ann Haistings and Hannah Hanson's kills would give the Eagles a 22-20 lead. SU's Jamie Pickett would make it close at 24-23 but Olivia VanDlac would end the set with her kill.

The final set would be decisive for the Eagles as they would race out to a 20-6 lead after scoring 10 straight points. The closest Simpson would get would be within ten points as kills by Haistings and Lara Linden and a service ace by Alivia Johnson would contribute to the final three NU points of the set and match.

Northwest U. (4-5) was led by Rae Ann Haistings 18 kills and .441 hitting percentage. Leia Roy added 24 digs while Ashton Arbuthnot had a match high 36 assists. Sarah Stoker added 7 kills and Arika Zwack contributed 11 digs for the Eagles.

Simpson's (0-6) leader was Audrey Green who finished with 18 kills and 14 digs for the double-double. Jamie Pickett added 12 Kills plus 13 digs for her double-double for the match. Kelly Tycksen added 34 assists for the Hawks.

"We let the first set get away from us when Simpson reeled off 8 straight points, but we responded aggressively and took control of the match with strong serving and a good passing game. The players are working real hard to maintain composure in tight situations and are making good progress," commented NU coach, Steve Bain following the match.

Northwest U. will return home after two straight weekends on the road to open CCC play next weekend when they host Concordia and Warner Pacific on Friday and Saturday.