MESA, AZ - The third and final day of the Northwest University beach volleyball trip was one of great ambition as the Eagles came away with a rubber match win over Park University Gilbert, 3-2, but fell to Benedicitne University, 2-3.

Day one, NU lost to Park University 2-3, followed by a 3-2 win on day two. Today the Eagles come out with a 3-2 win. Pairs Caitlyn James and Carlee Rowell, Sydney Faber and Kylie Rankins, and Brynn Keeling and Charlize Katz each took a game over Park.

Against Benedictine University, Masa Spela Jarc and Madelynn Culp, as well as Kali Dransfeldt and Sophia Rice, were able to take two games in just two sets each. Unfortunately, the three other NU pairs fell, two pairs going to three sets.

Head Coach Hannah Lord says, "I'm proud of how the team fought hard on tired legs. Madelynn and Maša, and Sophie and Kali were able to execute their game plan well and keep Benedictine's two's and three's pairs out of system. Brynn and Charlize brought the energy for the whole team today and played a hard fought three set game to end the day. The team learned a lot this week and is excited to go into conference play with some in-game experience."

The Eagles experience will be put to the test during their first conference match up of the year March 1 against Bushnell University in Ashland, OR.