BUTTE, Mont. – The Northwest University volleyball team wrapped up competition at the Big Sky Challenge Saturday, dropping a pair of matches against Carroll College and the University of Providence at the Butte Civic Center.
Game 1 – Northwest vs. Carroll College
Northwest opened the day against Carroll College, falling 3-1 (25-22, 24-26, 12-25, 19-25). The Eagles came out strong in the opening set, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead before building a 21-12 advantage. Carroll rallied late, but Northwest held on to take the first set, 25-22.
The second set remained close throughout. Northwest built a 20-15 lead before Carroll battled back to even the score at 22-22. The Eagles responded to take a 24-23 lead, but Carroll scored the final three points to steal the set, 26-24.
Carroll carried that momentum into the third set, taking control early and opening a 15-5 lead. Northwest fought to stay within reach, but the Saints closed out the set, 25-12.
The fourth set was a back-and-forth battle early, with Northwest taking a 12-9 lead. Carroll answered with a 6-0 run and eventually pulled away late to secure the 25-19 set win and the 3-1 match victory.
Chloe Kennedy and Haylee Koetje led Northwest with 13 kills apiece. Kennedy also added seven digs, while Koetje recorded 13 digs. Katelyn Bogetti paced the offense with 34 assists and added 13 digs. Sydney Faber led the Eagles defensively with 19 digs.
Game 2 – Northwest vs. University of Providence
Northwest closed the Big Sky Challenge against the University of Providence, falling 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-22). The Eagles battled throughout the opening set, tying the score at 9-9 after an early Providence lead. Providence regained control late and took the first set, 25-18.
Providence built an early advantage in the second set, but Northwest continued to battle. The Eagles pulled within four points at 15-19 before Providence closed out the set, 25-17.
Northwest came out strong in the third set, taking an early 6-3 lead and extending the advantage to 10-5. Providence responded with a run to tie the set at 10-10, setting up a competitive finish. The Eagles stayed within one point at 21-22, but Providence scored three of the final four points to take the set, 25-22, and complete the sweep.
Jaelyn Moeva, Haylee Koetje, and Afton McRae each finished with seven kills for Northwest. Koetje added five digs and three blocks, while Chloe Kennedy recorded four kills, three blocks, two aces, and three digs. Bogetti finished with 21 assists and four digs. Lexie Kennedy led the Eagles with eight digs.
"After graduating with so much experience, the staff was eager to see how our young team would respond to their first outing of the season. Overall, our ladies did a terrific job of adapting to new roles and positions, and they learned what it takes to be competitive against strong competition. I know the team is looking forward to building on this experience and is excited for the next set of challenges they will face," said Northwest head coach Steven Bain.
Up Next
Northwest will return home Tuesday, Aug. 25, for a scrimmage against Big Bend Community College. First serve is set for 4 p.m. at the Kristi Brodin Pavilion in Kirkland, Wash.
