FULLERTON, CA - Northwest University secures its second win of the day in an intense matchup against Hope International, 25-20, 25-15, 26-28, 23-25, 17-15. This wraps up NU's participation in the 2023 Summer Slam, going 4-2 in the tournament.

The Eagles matched up well against the Royals, staying rather close until a few Royal errors gave NU a lead. Karste Wright's four kills alongside Kaitlyn Mickle's three aided the Eagles in a first set win.

NU pulled away from the Royals in the second set to come up with a 25-15 win.

The Royals livened, and the two teams played within four points of each other throughout the entirety of the third set. The Royal's momentum took the best of the Eagles, resulting in an NU loss.

Hope International carried that momentum into set four but the Eagles were able to stay close. A pair of blocks by both Delaney Sparks and Kylie Lunday brought the Eagles within one point at 23-24, but the Royals secured the win with a kill.

The fifth frame of the match was led by a forceful arm known as Kylie Lunday. The senior's kill followed by a service ace from Allie Fynn forced a Royal timeout. The Eagles returned to the floor with two kills from Kylie Lunday, a kill from Karste Wright, and a service ace from Masa Spela Jarc to take the match victory.

Karste Wright collected 14 kills to three errors alongside Kylie Lunday who had 12 kills to one error.

Head Coach Steve Bain says, "Anytime you are locked in a five-set battle you have to credit your opponent. Hope International was resilient to bounce back from an 0-2 deficit, but we were every bit as resilient in the fifth set when we were down 14-11. I was really impressed with the grit and determination we had to have to fight off several match points and the conviction with which we played when the match was on the line is something that we can build on as we enter conference play. Overall, a solid road trip for the Eagles."

The Eagles return to Washington tonight and have one week to prepare for their conference opener against Lewis-Clark State on September 1, at 6pm in Lewiston, ID