Eagles Come Back to Drop Simpson in Four
SHLAND, Ore. – Northwest University came back from a first set loss to win three straight and defeat Simpson University this afternoon 3-1 (22-25, 25-9, 25-23, 25-12) in their final match in the Paul Elliott Invitational at Southern Oregon University.
Simpson battled back from being down 11-8 in the first set to take the lead for good after the set’s final tie at 14-14. A 5-0 run by the Hawks capped off by Jasmine Wallace’s service ace would put Simpson into the lead 19-14. Northwest would make it close as Rae Ann Haistings’ kill would make it a one point set, 23-22, but two kills by Audrey Green would seal the win for SU.
The second set would be all Northwest as Alivia Johnson’s two kills would give NU a substantial 17-3 lead and they would not look back as they would cruise to a 25-9 set win.
Simpson would rebound in the 3rd set and keep it a tight, close set the entire way with 8 ties. With the set knotted at 20-all, Northwest would take the lead for good as Rae Ann Haistings and Hannah Hanson’s kills would give the Eagles a 22-20 lead. SU’s Jamie Pickett would make it close at 24-23 but Olivia VanDlac would end the set with her kill.
The final set would be decisive for the Eagles as they would race out to a 20-6 lead after scoring 10 straight points. The closest Simpson would get would be within ten points as kills by Haistings and Lara Linden and a service ace by Alivia Johnson would contribute to the final three NU points of the set and match.
Northwest U. (4-5) was led by Rae Ann Haistings 18 kills and .441 hitting percentage. Leia Roy added 24 digs while Ashton Arbuthnot had a match high 36 assists. Sarah Stoker added 7 kills and Arika Zwack contributed 11 digs for the Eagles.
Simpson’s (0-6) leader was Audrey Green who finished with 18 kills and 14 digs for the double-double. Jamie Pickett added 12 Kills plus 13 digs for her double-double for the match. Kelly Tycksen added 34 assists for the Hawks.
"We let the first set get away from us when Simpson reeled off 8 straight points, but we responded aggressively and took control of the match with strong serving and a good passing game. The players are working real hard to maintain composure in tight situations and are making good progress," commented NU coach, Steve Bain following the match.