EUGENE, Ore. – Facing two of the top three teams in the Cascade Collegiate Conference proved difficult for the NCU volleyball team this weekend, losing to Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech, both of whom are receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches' poll.

Friday found the Beacons in Ashland, Oregon where they were defeated by Southern Oregon, 25-8, 25-23, 25-12. The Beacons hit just .009 in the game as they collected just 22 kills to 21 attack errors. NCU was out-dug 61-36 and out-blocked 9-5. Brooke Stribling led the Beacons with seven kills and seven digs. Cotie Howard had a strong night in the middle with four blocks (two solo) along with five kills. Mercedes LeClaire added nine digs for Northwest Christian.

Southern Oregon (17-9, 15-3) was led by a double-double from Leanne Stennett, collecting 11 kills, 12 digs along with three blocks. Mia Wortel led the team with five blocks and had six kills while Maggie Rivers collected 21 digs.

On Saturday the team shifted to Klamath Falls, were they fell to Oregon Tech, 25-8, 25-9, 25-13. Stribling once again led the team with seven kills, adding a team-high five digs.

It was a tough night defensively for NCU as they allowed the Owls (20-5, 15-3 CCC) to hit .526 on the night. Anna Leal led the charge with an unstoppable 10-for-11 hitting performance with zero errors for a .909 hitting clip. Krista Wolley added 13 kills, seven digs and three blocks and Lizzie Law added 40 assists, averaging over 13 per set.

The Beacons (12-15, 5-13 CCC) will close out their 2008 season this weekend with a pair of home games. They face The College of Idaho on Friday night as the Yotes attempt to claim the out-right CCC championship. On Saturday the Beacons play host to Eastern Oregon for NCU's first ever Senior Night, honoring senior Stribling and Howard.