LA GRANDE, Ore. - Northwest faced the third-seed Bushnell Beacons in the CCC Quarterfinals in a five-set thriller where the Beacons just edged out the Eagles 16-14 in the fifth.
The Beacons got out to a quick start in the first set, which made it difficult for the Eagles to catch up. While Northwest found some momentum towards the end of the first set, Bushnell was able to close out the first set and take a 1-0 lead on the match.
Northwest came out on a mission to open the second set and got out to a quick 5-2 lead. As both teams traded points, the Eagles kept a consistent lead through the set and were able to close out the set to even the match at one-a-piece.
The third set started out tight as both teams wanted to get the edge over the other. Neither team was able to pull away through the majority of the set. The Eagles were able to get a slight lead going into the final points of the set and take the set victory to go up 2-1 for the match.
Both teams again went neck-and-neck through the fourth set with neither team finding a large lead over the other. Northwest found themselves with match point, 24-22, but the Beacons held them off and tied the set 24-24. The set was far from over as neither team could close it out. The Eagles held off four set points before the Beacons took the win and forced a fifth set.
"First, congratulations to Bushnell on a great effort and advancing in the tournament," said NU Head Coach Steve Bain. "Both teams played well in a match that could have gone either way, which is a testimony of just how competitive it is in the CCC. Very proud, though, of our ladies and how far they've come this season. Whether we've done enough to qualify for the NAIA tournament remains a question, but regardless, so proud of our ladies and how far they've come this year."
Despite the loss, the Eagles put up big numbers on the day. Aubree Dees led the Eagles with a huge 21 kills for the match. Kaitlyn Mickle followed behind her with 13 kills. Morgan Harter tallied 40 assists, and Ellie Van Berkum led the back row with 30 digs.
The Eagles finish the season 16-12 overall and 9-11 in a conference where all teams in the postseason were nationally ranked or receiving votes. Northwest will wait to see if they have done enough to earn a bid to the NAIA National Championships.
