KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University volleyball team battled Pacific Lutheran University Tuesday night inside the Pavilion, but ultimately fell to the Lutes, 3-1 (25-17, 25-21, 28-30, 25-17).
Northwest opened the match with a strong start, keeping the first set competitive early before PLU pulled away late to take the opening frame, 25-17. The Lutes continued their momentum in the second set, earning a 25-21 victory to take a 2-0 lead.
Facing a 2-0 deficit, the Eagles responded with their strongest set of the night. Northwest and PLU traded points throughout the third, with the Eagles battling through extra points to earn a 30-28 victory and extend the match.
PLU answered in the fourth set, building an early advantage and eventually closing out the match with a 25-17 win.
Northwest was led offensively by Afton McRae, who recorded nine kills, while Teagan Schroeder and Haylee Koetje each added seven kills. Katelyn Bogetti directed the Eagles' offense with 26 assists and added 13 digs. Sydney Faber led Northwest defensively with 16 digs, while Chloe Kennedy contributed four kills, three service aces, and 11 digs.
The Eagles finished the night with 42 kills, 36 assists, five service aces, and 52 digs.
"Coach Aoki does a terrific job preparing his team to play, and their ability to play consistently from point to point was one of the keys to the match. Our ability to respond in kind was hampered by a poor night from the service line, and credit PLU for taking advantage of our miscues. Win or lose, our response will not change as the things we need to work on were the same before the match and after. Fortunately, we have a group who is hungry to improve, and they are looking forward to getting back to work," said Head Coach Steven Bain.
With the loss, Northwest moves to 4-5 on the season, while Pacific Lutheran improves to 1-0.
Northwest will return to the Pavilion on Friday, September 4, hosting College of Idaho at 6 p.m. PST.
