Northwest Christian Outlasts Cascade in 5
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fans were treated to an exciting volleyball match in Portland tonight as Northwest Christian outlasted Cascade in conference action at the Thunderdome.
The Thunderbirds, looking for an upset, jumped to a 4-1 lead in the decisive game five, only to see the Beacons fight back and prevail 15-12.
It was apparent from the beginning that the host T-Birds came to play. Determined to avenge the 3 game sweep administered by NCC the first time the teams met, Cascade gutted out a 31-29 win in the first game.
The visitors seemed to settle in for games 2 and 3, winning 30-24 and 30-23 respectively. Game 4 belonged to Cascade as Amanda Cochran put home 4 kills without an error to pace the T-Birds to a 30-20 victory.
The deciding game was a nail-biter, as the T-Birds held off 3 match points before the Charlie Van Loon kill that ended contest.
Cascade was led by Meagan Stanley's 13 kills versus just 1 error on the night. Cochran nearly equaled her teammate with 12 kills versus just 1 error. Claire Van Meer was one assist shy of her season high with 47. The T-Birds served for 8 aces, but were plagued all night by with errant serves and finished with 22 errors.
Brooke Stribling swung for a match high 18 kills for Northwest Christian. Ashley Blanchfill added 11 scores. Meaghan Hunts and Alexandria Jee shared setting duties with 23 assists each.