EUGENE, Ore. – For the first time in school history the Northwest Christian University volleyball team took a set from a ranked opponent, claiming a second set win over The College of Idaho on Saturday evening before falling to defeat, 25-9, 23-25, 25-12, 25-16. NCU had been swept in ten previous matches against teams ranked in the NAIA’s top-25, including seven against The College of Idaho.
Northwest Christian (5-16, 1-12 CCC) was led in defeat by freshman Janel Fetters, collecting a team-high eight kills and tying for a team leading five blocks. Amber Kraaz added five block assists as well, but the Beacons were out-blocked on the night, 16.5-to-7. Cassie Bishop had another strong night for NCU with seven kills and 13 digs and Bridget Marasigan (pictured) led NCU with 16 digs. On a night in which the Beacons had a negative hitting percentage collectively, junior Danielle Nance stood out with a .176 night, getting four kills, two blocks and a team-high three service aces.
The College of Idaho (15-4, 12-1) remains in a first-place tie in the CCC behind a dominating night from reigning NAIA Player of the Week Sarah Harris. The senior Middle Blocker collected match-highs with 13 kills and 11 blocks (four solo) while hitting a match-high .360. Ciciley Fox chipped in 12 kills and three blocks and Madie Machurek gave the Yotes a double-double with 14 digs and a match-high 22 assists. Senior Libero Whitney Owen collected 27 digs to lead all players.
The Beacons will be back in action next Friday night as they travel to face Warner Pacific University at 7:00 pm. This will be the season rubber-match between the schools, tied at 1-1 on the year. NCU knocked off the Knights in a tournament game early in the season and WPC took their CCC match at the Morse Event Center on October 2nd.