KIRKLAND, Wash. — Northwest University volleyball rallied from a 10-3 deficit in the fifth set to defeat Walla Walla in a thrilling Cascade Collegiate Conference match Saturday night at home, winning 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 15-12.
The Eagles improved to 7-16 overall and 3-11 in CCC play, while the Wolves fell to 4-12 overall and 4-10 in conference action.
After taking the opening two sets, Northwest weathered a Walla Walla comeback before delivering one of its own in the deciding frame. The Eagles closed the match on a 12-2 run to secure the home victory.
Trinity Godina led a balanced Northwest offense with 13 kills, 11 digs, and four blocks. Chloe Kennedy and Teagan Schroeder each added 12 kills, with Schroeder hitting .321 and contributing four blocks. Jaelyn Moeva finished with 10 kills on a team-best .421 hitting percentage.
Katelyn Bogetti directed the offense with 51 assists, adding 11 digs and two service aces for a double-double. Sydney Faber anchored the back row with 22 digs as Northwest finished with 72 digs and 61 kills.
The Eagles opened the match with their strongest offensive set, recording 17 kills and hitting .333 to take the first frame 25-21. Northwest maintained its efficiency in the second, putting away 14 kills while hitting .303.
Trailing 20-18 late in the second set, Northwest scored four straight points to move ahead. Kennedy delivered a kill during the stretch, and Godina added an ace. Moeva capped the 25-21 victory with a service ace to give the Eagles a two-set advantage.
Walla Walla responded by taking the next two sets, both 25-19. The Wolves recorded 15 kills in each frame and hit .382 in the fourth to force a deciding fifth set.
The final frame began in Walla Walla's favor as the visitors built an 8-2 lead before stretching the margin to 10-3. Northwest answered with eight consecutive points, including three kills from Moeva, a block from Godina and Schroeder, and a Godina kill. Bogetti's service ace completed the surge and gave the Eagles an 11-10 lead.
After Walla Walla tied the score at 11, Godina answered with another kill. A Wolves attack error pushed Northwest ahead 13-11, and Schroeder later delivered a kill to bring the Eagles to match point at 14-12. A final Walla Walla attack error sealed the comeback victory.
"Terrific match tonight and credit Walla Walla for playing with such resolve after being down 2-0," said Head Coach Steven Bain. "Their serving pressure and defense forced us to make a small adjustment in the 5th set, which allowed us to stabilize S-R, and credit our ladies for their belief and composure when we were down 9-3 in the final set. I know the team is excited to build on this win, and they are looking forward to each and every opportunity to learn and grow."
Sahara Browning led the Wolves with 26 kills and 16 digs.
Northwest returns to action Friday, Oct. 23, traveling to Eugene, Ore., to face Bushnell University at 6 p.m. in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.
