EUGENE, Ore. – NCU played their final non-conference match of the season on Tuesday, toppling Simpson University in three sets, 25-16, 25-19, 25-7. The win ended a two-match losing streak, fueled in part by the hitting of sophomore Outside Hitter Kayla Ping (pictured). Ping posted a match-high eight kills along with seven digs.
The Beacons (10-5) hit .299 as a team and dominated all aspects of the match with 41 kills, eight service aces and seven blocks. Meanwhile the Red Hawks (3-9) were held to a negative hitting percentage (-.088) while collecting 15 kills, four aces and one block.
NCU got strong performances up and down the roster on Tuesday. Ping’s eight kills were equaled by Maren Mansfield, who added ten digs and two blocks. Janel Fetters posted seven kills and Chelsea McGowan added six kills, hitting .455.
Freshman Cassidy Winters had a big night in her second career start, posting five kills, five blocks (two solo) and three service aces. Cori Wallace posted a match-high 25 assists while Dana McGowan finished with 15 digs to lead all players.
Head Coach Mike Gaffaney said, “Our goal was to come out strong early in each set and to finish the match just as strong. Holding them to negative hitting percentage in two sets was good to see. It’s nice to get everybody contributing and we were able to do that tonight. This win sets us up well for the coming road trip.”
Chandler Gabrio also had an incredible night, despite playing just one set. The sophomore middle blocker had six kills in the third set and three service aces, playing a large part in the Beacons 25-7 edge in the deciding set.
“When Chandler is healthy, we are firing on all cylinders,” said Gaffaney. “That third set really shows what we are capable of. We excel with her in the lineup and it’s great to see her getting healthy again.”
Simpson was led by Audrey Green with six kills while Jessica Lombardi followed with three. Kelly Tycksen led the team with ten assists and Jamie Pickett had a team-leading ten digs. Rachel Lowe put down the Red Hawks only block and also had two kills.
The Beacons will be back in action on Friday as they resume the Cascade Collegiate Conference slate in Kirkland, Washington against Northwest (5-8, 1-3 CCC).