KIRKLAND, Wash. - The Northwest University women's volleyball team secured a 3-1 win over Southern Oregon 3-1 after strong offensive performances.
The Eagles entered the game ranked 23rd in the country after earning back-to-back sweeps against Evergreen State College and Warner Pacific. The Raiders, who made it to the NAIA semifinals last year, have struggled this year with a 6-10 record and their most recent defeat coming against no. 3 Corban.
Both sides started the match evenly with neither team shaking the other off. The Eagles managed the first multipoint lead with a three-point stretch to go up 5-2. The Raiders would claw back momentarily with a three-point streak of their own. The teams would find themselves even once again, but
Delaney Sparks led the Eagles to a four point streak that stretched them to the lead 16-13. The Eagles would ride out the rest of the set in the lead and took set one 25-19.
The Raiders took the early advantage in the second set, going up 10-6. The Eagles would bounce back with a four-point streak thanks to
Aubree Dees serving. The Eagles would continue to secure control of the set later on with another four-point streak on the back of Sparks to stay ahead 22-16. With the electricity of the building, the Eagles marched forward to win set two 25-18.
Set three began with both teams exchanging three-point sets, but the Raiders got one extra streak that gave themselves the edge to go up 9-7. Both teams locked horns towards the latter half of the set after the Eagles tied it up 12 a piece, but the Raiders would do just enough with one more three-point streak to keep themselves out of harm's way. The Raiders won set three 25-20.
The Eagles dominated the start of the fourth set, going up 5-2, but the Raiders quickly moved in and secured a tie at eight to keep themselves in the contest. The Eagles pushed forward with a three-point streak right after and a four-point streak later in the set that transcended the home squad to a 19-13 lead. The Eagles would maintain strong form to close out the set and the match with a 25-18 win.
Kaitlyn Mickle and Sparks both hammered 14 kills on the night while
Morgan Harter secured a career high 38 assists.
"The energy in the gym tonight was palpable on both sides of the net and in the stands, which made it a fun match to be a part of," said Head Coach Steven Bain. "As expected, Southern's offense was difficult to defend, and we struggled with our net defense. Fortunately, we were able to weather their attack with a high side out efficiency. As well, I thought we were patient in transition and that allowed us to score points with our serve and make plays at critical moments."
The Eagles will contend at home Saturday afternoon with a matchup against Oregon Tech at 4:00 PM.
