PORTLAND, Ore. – Northwest opened Cascade Collegiate Conference action Friday with a convincing 3-0 win at Warner Pacific, 25-15, 25-14, 25-18.
 
The Eagles carried a strong .342 attack percentage for the match and registered 37 kills and 13 blocks.
 
"Warner is always a tough match, and we feel fortunate to get the win," said NU Head Coach Steve Bain. "They were tenacious on defense, and we had to work hard for every point. In that regard, our physical energy and mental focus was consistent the entire evening, so credit our ladies with their ability to stay in the moment. We were also strong from the service line, which allowed our defense to be in good spots and put pressure on their offense."
 
Hannah Lord, Keann White, Abi Broussard, and Kylie Szczepanski had seven kills each.
 
Anna Saelens and Courtney Carr split the setting role, with Saelens getting 15 assists and Carr 14. Saelens also had a pair of aces.
 
Szczepanski was in on seven blocks, followed by Sarah Howlett with five and Broussard and White with five apiece.
 
Cristina Hegarty added 11 digs.
 
Szczepanski was in on two blocks and added a kill in a 7-1 run to blow open a one-point first set to put NU ahead 18-11. White ended the game and a 5-1 NU run with a kill.
 
White had a pair of kills and a block in an 8-0 run to give the Eagles a 10-5 lead in the second set. Tatiana Ensz added a kill and an ace in a 13-2 run to put the set out of reach. Szczepanski ended the game with a kill.
 
Ensz completed the match and a 5-1 Eagles' run with a kill for the final 3-0 margin.
 
"Overall, we are making progress, and we look forward to facing another challenge tomorrow at Multnomah," Bain said.
 
With the win, NU improves to 3-4 on the season and 1-0 in CCC action. The Eagles stay in Portland for a match at Multnomah Saturday at 5 p.m.