KIRKLAND, WA - The Northwest University women's volleyball team advances to the next round of conference playoffs after a compact four set win over the Warriors of Lewis-Clark State College. A dynamic group of Eagles were able to pull off their third win over the Warriors this season with 44 kills and 10 service aces.

A quick 3-0 Warrior lead was no problem for the Eagles as they responded with a 6-0 run. NU put a 10-4 edge on the Warriors before forcing a timeout, powered by two blocks from Azaria Johnson. The Eagles held their lead effectively until three kills from Kaitlyn Mickle and a set-ending swing from Johnson closed the first frame at 25-10. 

Warriors swings started to fall in favor to LCSC due to a relentless outside hitting performance, but the Warriors had trouble connected with NU attacks as well. Teams exchanged kills until another 6-0 Eagle run to 24-16. Delaney Sparks and Karste Wright each provided two kills in the run and Sparks added a solo block. A Warrior service eros settled the set 25-17.

One too many errors put Warriors behind 1-5 to start the third set but a couple Eagle errors in return, let LCSC back into play. The Warriors capitalized, going on a 5-0 run and taking a 9-6 lead. Later on, a service ace from Allie Flynn tied the frame at 11-11. Three Eagle attacks errors in a row put NU behind 14-17. The Eagles fought their way back in, once again, this time with attacking from from Mickle and Sparks. Tied at 18-18, attacking errors gave LCSC a 23-19 lead, eventually resulting in a 21-25 third set loss for the Eagles. 

The Eagles pulled away from the Warriors, 12-6 in the fourth match. LCSC responded with back-to-back service aces but a 7-0 run activated by a block from Kylie Lunday and Wright extended the lead, 19-9. Wright closed the night with a kill, sending the Eagles to round two of the 2023 CCC Tournament. 

"First, congratulations to Katie and her team for a hard fought match," says Head Coach Steve Bain. "Their defense played with great effort and when they were in system, especially in set three, we struggled to stop their offense. Fortunately, we were solid on first contacts, which gave us an advantage in the serve-pass phase, and that allowed us to take control of the fourth set and close out the match. We are obviously pleased to be advancing to the quarterfinals and look forward to competing against a talented College of Idaho team."

Wright led the offense tonight with 14 kills, followed by Mickle with 12 and Sparks with eight.

Johnson and Sparks each totaled 5 blocks.

Morgan Harter recorded a double-double with 20 assists and 13 digs. Flynn collected 16 assists as well as three service aces. Kelsey Moore led with 24 digs.

The Eagles advance to the tournament quarterfinals this Friday, Nov 10. In La Grande, OR. Northwest with match up against The College of Idaho at 12:30 p.m. Winner of the quarterfinal game will go on to play Eastern Oregon that night at 7 p.m.