KIRKLAND – Northwest got off to a strong start but couldn't sustain that momentum in a 3-1 loss to Evergreen State on Tuesday.
 
The Geoducks used 13 kills by Lily Stewart and seven blocks by Hannah Rongen to claim the win, 17-25, 25-19, 25-14, 25-17.
 
"We obviously started strong and played a terrific first set but Evergreen bounced back and earned the win going away," said NU Head Coach Steven Bain. "Disappointing result for sure and we will have to dig deep if we want to be competitive against two very good opponents this weekend."
 
Abigail Broussard led the Eagles with 14 kills and two blocks and Karste Wright added eight. Reece Denney and Morgan Harter had two aces each. Harter led NU with 22 assists and Saelens added 13.
 
Kelsey Moore led NU with 18 digs and Kylie Lunday was in on four blocks.
 
Now 6-5 overall and 2-1 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, NU hosts Oregon Tech on Friday at 7 p.m. and Southern Oregon on Saturday at 5 p.m.