BUTTE, Mont. – The Northwest University volleyball team opened the 2026 season Friday at the Big Sky Challenge, picking up a 3-0 sweep over Ottawa University Arizona before falling to Arizona Christian University, 0-3, at the Butte Civic Center. The Eagles begin the season 1-1.
Game 1 – Northwest vs. Ottawa University Arizona
Northwest got its season started with a strong performance against Ottawa University Arizona, taking the opening set 25-22.
The Eagles jumped out to a 9-3 advantage early, using a service ace from Trinity Godina, an ace from Chloe Kennedy, and a pair of early blocks to build momentum. Ottawa battled back throughout the set, but Northwest maintained control late and closed out the first set, 25-22.
Northwest came out firing in the second set, scoring the first seven points. Ottawa responded with a run of its own, eventually cutting the deficit to one at 18-17. The Eagles answered with back-to-back points and continued to hold off the comeback, taking the set 25-21.
The Eagles carried the momentum into the third set, taking an 18-13 lead before closing the match with a 25-19 victory.
Jaelyn Moeva paced the Eagles offensively with eight kills, while Chloe Kennedy recorded seven kills and nine digs. Teagan Schroeder added five kills while hitting .364, and Katelyn Bogetti finished with four kills and a match-high 22 assists. Haylee Koetje recorded five kills and 12 digs.
Northwest finished the match with 33 kills, 26 assists, four aces, and 49 digs. The Eagles hit .163 as a team and held Ottawa to a .156 hitting percentage.
Game 2 – Northwest vs. Arizona Christian University
The Eagles returned to the court Friday afternoon for their second match of the day, taking on Arizona Christian University. Northwest fell to the Firestorm, 3-0 (20-25, 14-25, 21-25).
The opening set was competitive early, with Northwest tying the score at 3-3. Arizona Christian eventually created separation and took a 16-7 lead. The Eagles continued to battle and cut the deficit to three at 20-23, but ACU closed the set, 25-20.
Arizona Christian controlled the second set early, taking a 10-5 advantage. Northwest battled back to make it 10-13, but the Firestorm responded and pulled away late to take the set, 25-14.
The Eagles came out strong in the third set, building an 11-8 lead. ACU answered with a run and eventually took a 24-18 advantage. Northwest fought off three match points, including an ace from Hailey Edwards, before Arizona Christian secured the 25-21 set win and the 3-0 sweep.
Teagan Schroeder led Northwest with seven kills, while Haylee Koetje added five kills and two aces. Chloe Kennedy recorded six kills and six digs, while Katelyn Bogetti finished with 20 assists and seven digs. Lexie Kennedy led the Eagles with 10 digs.
Up Next
Northwest will close out the Big Sky Challenge Saturday with two matches at the Butte Civic Center. The Eagles will face Carroll College (Mont.) at 11:00 a.m. MT before taking on the University of Providence (Mont.) at 3:00 p.m. MT.
Northwest enters Saturday's action with a 1-1 record and will look to close out the opening weekend with two more strong performances.
