KIRKLAND – Northwest took a set but couldn't get much traction in three other sets in a 3-1 loss to Southern Oregon on Saturday.
 
"Tonight's match is a reminder of how far we've come as well as a checkpoint of how far we still have to go," said NU Head Coach Steven Bain. "At times we were able to compete at Southern's level but overall, they were the better team in just about every phase of the game. We will simply get back to work and continue to focus on making the changes that will enable us to be successful the next time we take the court."
 
The Eagles struggled to a .038 attack percentage with Sadie Byrd collecting five blocks for the Raiders. Hailey Van Well led the SOU offense with 16 kills and Mylena Testoni added 15. Testoni had a double-double with a team-leading 19 digs.
 
Kaitlyn Mickle and Susana Bailey paced the Eagles with seven kills. Anna Saelens and Morgan Harter had 15 and 12 assists, respectively. Allie Flynn had two aces.
 
NU had a strong night at the net with 11 total blocks, led by Abigail Brossard and Delaney Sparks with six each and Kylie Lunday with five. Kelsey Moore led the back row with 21 digs.
 
Now 6-6 on the season and 2-3 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, the Eagles hit the road for two weeks, starting with Walla Walla on Friday afternoon.