KIRKLAND, Wash. — Northwest University volleyball kept Southern Oregon within reach through two competitive sets Saturday afternoon before the Raiders completed a sweep in the Eagles' final home match of the season at Kristi Brodin Pavilion.
The 25-21, 25-22, 25-16 result moved Northwest to 7-20 overall and 3-15 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play. Southern Oregon improved to 20-8 overall and 12-6 in the CCC.
"The outcome of tonight's match was disappointing, but it was a match that tested our resolve and served as a measure of our progress," said Head Coach Steven Bain. "In that regard, I loved how our ladies stayed in each moment and battled a top-ranked team."
Northwest's best opportunity to take a set came in the second, when two early kills from Trinity Godina and an ace from Hailey Edwards helped the Eagles build a 7-2 lead. Northwest held the advantage into the middle of the frame before Southern Oregon evened the score at 15-15.
Godina continued to provide timely offense, twice delivering kills that brought the Eagles back into a tie, including at 20-20. The Raiders responded with consecutive points, creating enough separation to hold off Northwest for a 25-22 win.
The opening set followed a similar pattern down the stretch. With the teams tied at 15-15, Southern Oregon scored three straight points to move ahead. The Eagles fought off two set points before Briella Mathis delivered the kill that closed the frame.
Southern Oregon established control earlier in the third, opening a 14-3 lead. Northwest put together a five-point run late in the set, highlighted by an Edwards ace and a block from Teagan Schroeder and Jaelyn Moeva, but could not overcome the deficit.
"Eventually though, Southern's side out efficiency and serving pressure in the 3rd set turned the match in their favor," Bain said.
Chloe Kennedy led an efficient effort at the net, finishing with seven kills on 12 attempts without an error for a .583 hitting percentage. She added four block assists. Godina also recorded seven kills, hitting .385 while contributing a solo block and a block assist.
Katelyn Bogetti distributed 23 assists, Sydney Faber led Northwest with seven digs, and Edwards supplied two of the Eagles' three service aces.
"Nonetheless, we are still looking for more opportunities to grow and are excited for the week ahead," Bain said.
Northwest closes its season with two road matches, beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, at The Evergreen State College. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Olympia. The Eagles then travel to Portland, Ore., to face Warner Pacific on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m.
