Northwest University Athletics

LEWISTON, Idaho - The eighth-seed Eagles upset the fifth-seed Warriors as Northwest University started their CCC Playoff campaign in Lewiston on Tuesday. While LC State had beaten the Eagles both times during the regular season, Northwest came to the match determined and swept the Warriors, 25-17, 25-22, 25-14.

In a must-win game to continue their season, the Eagles started strong as they got out to a 14-6 lead in the first set. LC State started to close the gap as they got within three points, but Oriana Muliaga was able to go on a small run with her serves and get the Eagles ahead, 22-16, where they would then close out the first set and grab a 1-0 lead on the match. 

The Eagles looked to ride their momentum into the second set as they got out to a small lead to start. With a couple key runs in the middle of the set, the Eagles found themselves up, 19-11. The Warriors started to chip away and even fought off three set points before Northwest was able to close out the second set with the win. 

Going into the third set, Northwest was determined not to let LC State back into the fight. The Eagles were able to continue their work and finished the third set with a score of 25-14. 

"Our ladies were grateful to qualify for the playoffs, and they channeled that gratitude into the physical and emotional energy required to win a road match against a very good Lewis-Clark State team," said NU Head Coach Steve Bain. "In that regard, we needed to be especially physical from the service line because of LC's potent offense and for the most part, we were able to achieve that goal. Credit our ladies as well for playing clean and extending rallies, which allowed us to score points in transition and make plays when the match was on the line. Obviously, we are excited to advance in the tournament and look forward to Thursday's match versus a talented Bushnell squad."

Delaney Sparks and Aubree Dees both had big nights with 12 kills each. Kaitlyn Mickle was right behind them with 11 kills. As a team, the Eagles only had nine attack errors on the night. Morgan Harter orchestrated the offense with 40 assists, while Ellie Van Berkum led the defense with 19 digs. 

Northwest will head to La Grande, Oregon, where they will face the third-ranked Bushnell Beacons at 2:00 PM on Thursday in the CCC Quarterfinals.