BUTTE, Mont. – Northwest opened volleyball season with a pair of tough losses Friday, falling in three sets each to No. 26 Rocky Mountain and No. 14 Providence.
 
Rocky Mountain won 25-14, 26-24, 25-19, and Providence won 25-12, 25-21, 25-16.
 
"While we didn't get the result on the scoreboard, the blessing of being back on the court again after so many months off made up for any disappointments in our performance," said NU Head Coach Steven Bain. "The teams we played today (and the two we play tomorrow), all had competitive spring seasons so it will take time for our group to define new roles and come together as a team. The challenges today against two strong opponents will help us do just that and we are excited to continue the journey tomorrow and in the coming weeks."
 
Abigail Broussard led the Eagles with 12 kills and added eight digs and an ace in the loss to RMC. Anna Saelens had 18 assists, Cristina Lorenz led with nine digs and Azaria Johnson, Susana Bailey, and Karste Wright had a block each.
 
Jill Botsford scored 10 kills and added seven digs in the UP match. Broussard added six kills. Saelens had 21 assists.
 
Broussard, Bailey, Johnson, and Saelens had one block each and Lorenz led the back row with 15 digs.
 
Now 0-2, the Eagles play Carroll at 9 a.m. and Montana Tech at 3 p.m. on Saturday.