SNOHOMISH, WA - Northwest University beach volleyball hosted its leadoff match of the weekend at the Northwest Beach Volleyball Complex this afternoon. In the Eagles second match of the 2024 conference season, NU fell 0-5 to Southern Oregon University.

The sunny weather made for a lively competition in Snohomish, WA, as both teams battled for each point, dodging the occasional puddle of water. Despite court conditions, the Eagles and Raiders played with energy on both sides of the net.

The Raiders, who received votes in the latest NAIA coaches poll, took the first game of the day in the fourth pair match up, 21-12, 21-6.

Masa Spela Jarc and Madelynn Culp earned the Eagles first set win of the day 21-19 over the Raiders second pair. NU followed with two set losses at 12-21 and 6-15.

Caitlyn James and Carlee Rowell were next to take a set from the Raiders at 21-15 in the top pair match up, followed by two losses at 16-21, 10-15.

SOU went on to take the first two sets in both the third and fifth pair match ups.

"Today was a beautiful day for beach volleyball," says second year Head Coach Hannah Lord. "The team worked hard and ultimately came up short. Southern is a solid team and outplayed us today."

The Eagles head back down to Snohomish, WA tomorrow for day two of the three day tournament. NU will take on No. 2 ranked Corban at 10am followed by a 2pm match up against The College of Idaho. 

Match Results

1. Madi Gray/Tessa Zimmermann (SOU) def. Caitlyn James/Carlee Rowell (NU) 15-21, 21-16, 15-10
2. Kira Sandoval/Grace Gulbrandsen (SOU) def. Masa Jarc/Madelynn Culp (NU) 19-21, 21-12, 15-6
3. Taylor Jackson/Bayleigh Wodke (SOU) def. Sophia Rice/Kali Dransfeldt (NU) 21-18, 21-10
4. Annie Hite/Skyy Botelho (SOU) def. Brynn Keeling/Charlize Katz (NU) 21-14, 21-10
5. Natalie Perez/Natasha Perez (SOU) def. Kylie Rankins/Sydney Faber (NU) 21-12, 21-6

Match Notes:
Northwest University (2-6 overall) (0-2 CCC)
Southern Oregon University (3-0 overall) (2-0 CCC)
Order of finish: Doubles (4,2,1,5,3);