SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Northwest University volleyball team wrapped up the Ottawa Invitational Saturday with a split, defeating Cumberland University (Tenn.) in a five-set thriller before falling to Ottawa University Arizona in three sets. The Eagles went 3-1 at the Ottawa Invitational.
Game 1 – Northwest vs. Cumberland University
Northwest opened Saturday's action with a hard-fought, five-set victory over Cumberland University, winning 3-2 (25-23, 28-26, 22-25, 14-25, 15-9) at Faith Arena. The Eagles came out strong in the opening set, building an early advantage before Cumberland battled back to make it a close finish. Northwest held its composure late and closed out the first set, 25-23.
The second set was another back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading runs throughout. Northwest eventually found itself in extra points and held on for a 28-26 victory to take a 2-0 lead in the match. Cumberland responded in the third set, taking a 25-22 victory and cutting Northwest's lead to 2-1. The Phoenix carried that momentum into the fourth set, pulling away late to force a decisive fifth set with a 25-14 win.
Northwest regained control in the fifth set. The Eagles built an 8-6 advantage before continuing to apply pressure down the stretch. Northwest scored the final three points of the match to secure the 15-9 victory and the 3-2 win.
Chloe Kennedy led the Eagles with 11 kills, while Afton McRae added 12 kills and four block assists. Trinity Godina recorded nine kills while hitting .438, and Katelyn Bogetti finished with 36 assists, three service aces, and 11 digs. Kennedy Bailey added 12 digs, while Haylee Koetje contributed five kills, 10 digs, and two service aces.
Northwest finished the match with 46 kills, 43 assists, 12 aces, and 67 digs. The Eagles hit .120 as a team.
Game 2 – Northwest vs. Ottawa University Arizona
The Eagles returned to the court Saturday afternoon for their final match of the invitational, taking on Ottawa University Arizona. Northwest fell to OUAZ, 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-17). Ottawa took control early in the opening set, but Northwest continued to battle throughout the set. The Eagles used kills from Afton McRae, Trinity Godina, and Lexie Kennedy to stay within striking distance before OUAZ closed out the set, 25-15.
Northwest responded in the second set, putting together its strongest offensive performance of the match. The Eagles recorded 14 kills and hit .244 as a team, but Ottawa held off the Eagles late to take the set, 25-23. The Eagles again battled in the third set, but OUAZ created separation late to finish off the 3-0 sweep with a 25-17 victory.
Kennedy Bailey led Northwest offensively with 10 kills while hitting .409 and adding 14 digs. Teagan Schroeder recorded seven kills while hitting .350, while Trinity Godina finished with five kills, two service aces, and three block assists. Katelyn Bogetti recorded 24 assists and three digs, while Sydney Faber led the Eagles with 16 digs.
Northwest finished the match with 31 kills, 30 assists, two aces, and 49 digs. The Eagles hit .148 as a team.
Up Next
Northwest returns home for its next match against Pacific Lutheran University at 7:00 p.m. PST. The Eagles, going 3-1 at the Ottawa Invitational, will look to carry that momentum into their upcoming home match.
