FULLERTON, CA – No. 24-ranked Northwest University volleyball opened their 2018 season with two games, one against a strong offensive team and another against a sound defensive team. Embry Riddle took the victory, winning the last two games with a total 5-point spread (25-23, 16-25, 25-20, 23-25, 12-15). Vanguard shut down the Eagles and finished the match 3-0 (18-25, 20-25, 18-25).
 
Match 1 – Northwest University 2, Embry Riddle 3
After leading 2-1, Northwest University Eagles (0-1, overall) dropped the last two games to lose the match.

Freshman Abigail Broussard led the Eagles with 9 kills and a .280 hitting percentage. Cristina Hegarty of Olympia, WA, had 18 digs. Anna Saelens and Hannah Michaels both followed, with each having 9 digs. Anna Saelens led Northwest with 21 assists, while Audrey Saelens led the team with 5 blocks.

Caylee Robalin from El Paso, TX, dominated the game for Embry Riddle. Caylee led Embry Riddle with 20 kills, 4 aces, and 20 digs.

"Overall, I was pleased with our physical energy and mental focus against a strong Embry-Riddle team. Embry Riddle was also terrific on defense, and at times, we struggled offensively as a result," said Steven Bain, Northwest University head coach. "Even so, we were in position to win the match but credit Embry Riddle for making more plays than us when the match was on the line."
 
Match 2 – Northwest University 0, Vanguard 3
Northwest University (0-2, overall) had a difficult time trying to slow down the offensive power of Vanguard. Vanguard was able to sweep Northwest in 3 games (18-25, 20-25, 18-25).

Abigail Broussard led the Eagles with 5 kills, and Hannah Michaels picked up 10 digs. Keann White added to the Eagles' score with 3 kills and 1 block.

Shay Larson-Piper attacked Northwest University with 10 kills. Kamelah Noel and Kayla Fisher both were right behind her with 7 kills each. Rebecca Lowden had 17 digs on the day.

Northwest University's head coach Steven Bain remarked, "Vanguard controlled the match from the outset with an excellent performance from the service line that kept us off balance all afternoon. They also had a high power offense for which we had no answer.  I liked our effort, though, as our players fought hard and did not quit. The take away from today is that a young team like ours will have plenty of opportunities to improve, and the experience will make us better the next time we take the court."