KIRKLAND, WA - Northwest University fell to The College of Idaho in a tight five sets on Saturday night. 

The Eagles set the tone for the night, leading off with two kills from Kaitlyn Mickle and a service ace from Savannah Hale. NU led 9-5 when The College of Idaho picked up speed with six points in a row, taking its first lead at 11-9. The teams stayed within two points of each other until two Yote errors put the Eagles up 20-16. The Yotes regathered and brought themselves within one point at 22-21, but could not connect with Eagle attacks from Kailtyn Mickle, Delaney Sparks, and Kalli Budge, taking the set at 25-21.

The lead alternated back and forth the entire second frame. Each point was battled for by both teams showing abundant amounts of grit. Fortunately, the Eagles closed the second second set with two back-to-back blocks. 

The College of Idaho led by six points in the third set, 20-14. The Eagles struggled to stay in it and the Yotes extended their lead eventually taking the frame 25-16.

NU came alive once again in the fourth set, making the Yotes work for every point earned. Both teams rallied until the set was tied at 24, and the Yotes earned another set due to back-to-back Eagle errors. 

The Yotes pulled away in set five with a kill followed by three Eagle errors, resulting in a 9-5 CI lead. The Eagles could not find their way back in as the Yotes took the final set at 15-10.

The Eagles did not lack on the statistical side of the match. Kaitlyn Mickle led with 19 kills and three blocks while Kalli Budge added seven kills and five blocks.

Morgan Harter had 19 assists and 12 digs. Kelsey Moore had 22 digs.

Head Coach Steven Bain says, "Great win Friday night, tough loss Saturday. If you want to relish the thrill of victory, then you must also embrace the agony that comes with defeat. I was very impressed with Idaho's resilience and ability to make plays when the match was on the line and disappointed that we could not. Saturday's match is a good reminder of how much we still need to learn, and I know this group will bounce back and have a great week of preparation as we go on the road next week for two important matches."

Those road matches start on September 22, where the Eagles will take on Warner Pacific who lost both matches this past weekend.