KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Northwest University volleyball team dropped a Cascade Collegiate Conference matchup to Eastern Oregon University on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Mountaineers, 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-20), at the Kristi Brodin Pavilion.
The Eagles move to 4-7 overall and 0-2 in CCC play, while Eastern Oregon remains undefeated at 13-0 overall and improves to 2-0 in conference action.
Northwest battled Eastern Oregon early in the opening set, with the Eagles holding a 3-2 lead before the Mountaineers began to pull away. NU recorded seven kills in the set, but Eastern Oregon hit .233 and took the opening frame, 25-14.
The Mountaineers carried their momentum into the second set, recording 13 kills while hitting .357. Northwest struggled to find consistency offensively, finishing the set with six kills as Eastern Oregon took a 2-0 match lead with a 25-12 win.
The Eagles came out strong in the third set and put together their best offensive performance of the afternoon. Northwest recorded 13 kills and hit .179 while battling Eastern Oregon throughout the set.
NU stayed within striking distance late, trailing 21-17 before the Mountaineers finished the set, 25-20, to complete the sweep.
"Facing Eastern Oregon was an excellent learning opportunity for our team, and for the most part, our ladies were able to stay in the moment and compete for each point," said Northwest University Head Coach Steven Bain. "Credit Eastern Oregon for controlling the match with strong serving and passing, which were complemented by their ability to score in transition. Controlling each phase of the match is reflected in the box score, but at the same time, I was pleased with our own effort and the intensity with which we met the challenge."
Afton McRae led the Eagles offensively with seven kills, while Jaelyn Moeva added five kills and three blocks. Katelyn Bogetti finished with three kills and a team-high 19 assists.
Haylee Koetje contributed three kills and five digs, while Ashley Genau and Sydney Faber each recorded six digs. Lexie Kennedy added five digs for the Eagles.
As a team, Northwest finished with 26 kills, 24 assists, 34 digs, and six blocks. Eastern Oregon recorded 39 kills and hit .309 for the match.
Northwest will return to action on Friday, September 11, hosting Corban University at 6 p.m. at the Kristi Brodin Pavilion.
