Box Score

EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University volleyball team opened up Halloween weekend on a strong note Friday evening, defeating Oregon Tech for the first time in school history, 25-20, 25-21, 19-25, 22-25, 15-5. NCU had lost eight straight matches to the Owls since the Beacon volleyball program began in 2006.

Head Coach Mike Gaffaney said, “Like it's been all season, it's inherent in a young team that we can go up two sets and almost let it slip away. Three years from now, we'll be closing that match out in three sets. Giving away the third and fourth can be a deal breaker for most teams. It shows great character and great heart when you have freshmen fighting back the way we did tonight.”

A trio of Beacon freshmen led the way to victory, with Setter Cori Wallace (pictured) steering the ship to the tune of 51 assists, setting a new NCU single-match record. Wallace completed her ninth double-double of the season as she collected 18 digs. Janel Fetters also had a big night, collecting match-highs with 21 kills and 24 digs, giving her the first 20/20 night for the Beacons since October 24, 2008 and only the fourth in school history.

Not to be outdone, Maren Mansfield took advantage of her first start ever as a middle blocker, hitting .652 with season-high of 16 kills and three blocks. Just minutes before the match the Beacons were forced to change up their rotation as Amber Kraaz was unable to go after hurting her ankle in practice on Thursday. “Middle is not the easiest place to play,” said Gaffaney, “and for a freshman to step up where she hadn't played all season was just phenomenal. She blocked well and hit well, as if she had been playing there her entire career.”

The Beacons (8-17, 3-13 CCC) jump out of last place in the Cascade Collegiate Conference with the win and now sit just a half a game out of seventh place. Also contributing to the victory was junior middle Danielle Nance, collecting a season-high 15 kills along with 13 digs and a team-high four blocks (one solo). The Beacons out-dug the Owls 112-91 on the night, including 21 from Bridget Marasigan and 17 from Cassie Bishop.

Oregon Tech (11-16, 3-12) was led in defeat by Mindy Rencher with 12 kills and 13 digs. Kristen Walters added 11 kills and Megan Christensen had eight, to go along with six blocks. Jennifer Saltenberger also had six blocks for the Owls and Marie Baumann collected a team-high 23 digs. Mikayla Morgan contributed six kills and five blocks as OIT out-blocked the Beacons, 12-8 in the match.

Northwest Christian will turn around quickly, taking on #17 Southern Oregon University (17-3, 14-1 CCC) at 1:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.