Senior Cotie Howard collected 17 digs and 11 kills in the Beacons' opening victory.
EUGENE, Ore. – With just minutes to go before the opening match of the season, head coach Mike Gaffaney decided to make a dramatic change to his offensive scheme, but the shift paid off as the Northwest Christian University volleyball team defeated Simpson University on Thursday evening in three games, 26-24, 25-18, 26-24.
The team, which had been geared up to play in their standard 6-2 format (a two-setter rotation that utilizes more middle blocking), was given mere moments to be ready for a 5-1 scheme, which allows for more diverse play from a single setter, and spreads the offense. Coach Gaffaney said, “The coaches decided that due to some injury issues, and a few players just not being quite ready that we would shake things up. I am ecstatic that they were able to play the 5-1 extremely well under the circumstances.”
The first set began with a quick 6-1 run for the Beacons, who eventually held a 19-11 advantage and were on the verge of victory. But the Red Hawks came soaring back with an 11-2 run, fueled by nine straight unforced errors for the Beacons. “It looked like some ghosts of last season were coming out,” said Gaffaney, “where they girls couldn’t close out games. They would get close to winning and begin making mental errors, trying not to lose instead of trying to win.”
After trailing 22-21, Northwest Christian gained their composure and took back the lead, eventually grabbing the win on a kill from Cotie Howard. Gaffaney said, “I think that first set really showed them that they can go into any match and win it.”
Set two began in much the same way with the Beacons pulling out to a 12-5 lead. This time they were able to hang on to their advantage, however, never trailing by more than six points the rest of the way. The third set was a different story, as after the intermission, Simpson came out with a renewed sense of purpose, taking the early lead, 8-5. The set remained close the whole way as the teams traded leads four times and were tied on six occasions before NCU pulled out the close victory.
The Beacons (1-0) were led in their season opener by senior Howard, who collected 18 kills and 17 digs while hitting .485 (18-2-33). Howard, who played exclusively as a middle blocker in 2007, made an impressive debut opposite senior Brooke Stribling, who added 11 kills and 17 digs, along with three blocks. “It’s been a huge transition and it’s so different from the middle, but I love it on the outside,” said Howard. “I think I was meant to play there.” Coach Gaffaney agreed, saying, “Cotie was phenomenal tonight. We’ve been talking since day one about moving her outside and I’m glad we did. She likes the middle but loves the outside, and we have got to keep her on the floor at all times.”
Another key performer for the Beacons was freshman setter Whitney Hoff (Marist HS), making her collegiate debut. She was probably the player most affected by the last-minute strategy shift on the floor as she played the entire match, collecting 29 assists and ten digs. Gaffaney said, “She has ice in her veins. For a freshman to come in and set at a collegiate level and do was well as she did is just amazing. Her supporting cast has made it very comfortable for her out there.”
That supporting cast included Tessa Greatwood, who had two service aces and eight digs, and Mercedes LeClaire with 14 digs and a pair of service aces, which came back-to-back in the first set. The Beacon on the night hit just .107 from the floor, but it was enough as they forced 40 Red Hawk errors over the course of the match.
Simpson (0-5) was led by Stacy Viss with eight kills and three blocks. Erin Brink had 24 assists and 12 digs while Libero Teddy Sturley collected a match-high 21 digs.
Northwest Christian will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Portland to take part in the Lewis & Clark Invitational. Action kicks off on Friday with a noon start again conference foe Evergreen State College.