KIRKLAND, WA - Northwest University women's volleyball knocks yet another nationally-ranked team off in four sets. After falling to Southern Oregon in the first set, the Eagles bounced back with a 4-1 victory, 16-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-1.

Southern Oregon opened up the match with a 4-0 lead. The Eagles continued to trail but Karste Wright's four kills kept the Eagles hoping. Four consecutive points from the Raiders ended the first set 25-16.

NU took its first lead at 7-6 in the second set before falling behind, 9-13. The Eagles rallied and battled their way back in. A block from Kalli Budge and Kaitlyn Mickle tied the frame at 15-15. Kalli Budge propelled NU to a second set win with a kill followed by a block at 25-23.

The third frame stayed tight throughout, but the Eagles found harmony at just the right time. They ended the set at 25-21 with a kill from Delaney Sparks, followed by Kaitlyn Mickle, and an SOU error. 

A well-executed serving scout by Savannah Hale gave her four service aces in the fourth set, a tremendous fuel to the Eagles' 10-0 lead. She ended the night with six aces. NU kept its comfortable lead and ended the set and match with a kill from Kylie Lunday.

Head Coach Steve Bain says, "As always, Southern Oregon takes the court with offensive weapons up and down their lineup, and our defense struggled early to match their speed and ability to convert in transition. Credit our ladies though, with sticking to our plan and as the match wore on, we had success from the service line, which kept them out of system just enough to make a difference. A terrific win for the Eagles but we don't get to celebrate much as tomorrow's opponent is a talented group and we know they will challenge us with great energy and effort."

Karste Wright and Delaney Sparks led with 12 kills a piece, followed by Kaitlyn Mickle with 11. Morgan Harter collected 26 assists.

Kalli Budge totaled seven blocks and Delaney Sparks, five. At libero, Ellie Van Berkum had 20 digs.

The Eagles continue conference battle tomorrow at home, hosting Oregon Tech at 7 p.m.