EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University volleyball team dispensed of The Evergreen State College on Saturday night in straight sets, but the match was not without its share of drama as NCU won 25-17, 25-16, 25-22.

Early on in the first set, starting outside hitter Cassie Bishop rolled her ankle coming down on top of a Geoduck player than had gone under the net. The dark cloud that might have caused was easily covered up by a silver lining in freshman Kalyssa Koontz. Koontz, who had a rare start tonight as a Middle Blocker, was shifted to the outside after the first set, and capitalized on the opportunity, collecting 4 kills, six digs and three blocks, all of which came at opportune times.

Head Coach Mike Gaffaney said, “Kalyssa was a real bright spot for us tonight. She practiced well all week and coming in she knew that we were going to work her in a bit more, but maybe not as much and not in such an impact role. She exceeded our expectations and the team really rallied around her, which was good to see.”

The Beacons (12-13, 5-11) were led in the contest by Brooke Stribling's seventh double-double of the season, collecting match-highs with 14 kills and eleven digs. Cotie Howard added eleven digs and a match-best hitting percentage of .368, getting nine kills. Tessa Greatwood also had a strong hitting night with a .357 average, getting six kills. Whitney Hoff added 22 assists and six digs to the winning effort.

The Evergreen State (1-20, 1-15 CCC) was led by Kandice Gleaves' seven kills. Ann Forman added 11 digs and Katie Huston chipped in 18 assists and eight digs.

The early report on Bishop's ankle is that the sprain is minor and after a few days off from practice she should be back and ready for the next match, a road contest next Friday evening against Southern Oregon University.