BUTTE, Mont. – Northwest lost a hard-fought, five-set battle to host Montana Tech Thursday (25-22, 23-25, 21-25, 25-12, 15-7).

The Orediggers served up a dozen aces in the game. 

"This game is won and lost at the service line, and credit Montana Tech for stepping to that line and executing their gameplay," said NU Head Coach Steven Bain. "They dominated that phase of the game, especially in sets four and five, and that's why they were rewarded with the victory. Still, I was pleased with our effort against a quality opponent, and hopefully, we will learn from the experience and improve the next time we compete."

A late rally stopped short in the opening set with Tatiana Ensz and Hannah Lord getting kills to pull NU to within two (24-22), but Tech got the win and the 1-0 lead.

Northwest trailed 22-18 in the second set but rolled off the next six points with a kill by Broussard, an ace by Ensz, and blocks first by Broussard and Courteney Carr and then Lord and Broussard. Lord got the game-winning kill to even the sets at 1-1.

After falling behind 17-16 in the third set, NU used a 5-1 spree, featuring three kills by Keann White. Ensz and Broussard also contributed a block on the way to a 21-18 lead. Kylie Szczepanski would get the game-ending kill for a 2-1 Northwest lead.

The Eagles' offense faltered in the fourth set with a .000 attack percentage, followed by a .105 in the decisive set. Northwest hit into 15 blocks on the night.

Lord led NU with 14 kills, with White adding 11 and Broussard 10. Courteney Carr put up 36 assists, and Broussard had two aces.

Defensively, Cristina Hegarty led NU with 18 digs, while Ensz got 12 and Eleanor Mason 10. Broussard was in on nine blocks, including a pair of solos.

Now 1-1, the Eagles face a full day Friday, taking on No. 13 Rocky Mountain at 10 a.m. and Carroll at 4 p.m. (Pacific time).