Box Score
ROCKLIN, Calif. – The Northwest Christian University women's volleyball team has a 2-0 record for the first time in school history after knocking off William Jessup on Tuesday night, 25-19, 25-9, 31-33, 28-26. Sophomore
Janel Fetters hit .355 and collected 15 kills to lead the way for the Beacons in what was a well fought match.
The Beacons dominated play in the first two sets, hitting over .400 as a team in both. The Warriors, however, would not go quietly, taking a closely fought third set and jumping out to a big lead in the fourth, forcing NCU to play from behind.
Head Coach Mike Gaffaney said, “We played very high at points tonight, putting together good touches, but the girls are definitely tired. Tomorrow will be our first day off since triple-days began a few weeks ago and they need it.”
Fetters collected 15 kills to only four errors to lead the Beacon offense from the right side, while outside hitters
Maren Mansfield and
Emily O'Neal combined for 12 kills. O'Neal was efficient to the tune of a .389 hitting percentage, collecting ten kills to only three errors. Mansfield added a game-high three service aces.
Dana Clark posted 15 digs to lead the Beacons while
Cori Wallace chipped in 43 assists, tied for the second most in school history. Freshman
Chelsea McGowan added in three of NCU's four blocks in the game.
William Jessup (0-1) was led by Hannah Baldwin with a game-high 16 kills. Molly Collins chipped in 18 digs and Elaina Murphy led the team with 22 assists.
“It was an emotional win,” said Gaffaney, “and it was nice to pull it out despite the level of exhaustion they are facing. This was definitely a gut-check for us tonight. This was the first time since I began coaching at NCU that I've seen the team play with this level of confidence.”
The Beacons will not be on the courts on Wednesday, but return to action with a double-header on Thursday. NCU plays at Pacific Union at 9:00 am and will then face Azusa Pacific, ranked No. 6 in the NAIA, in a neutral-site match hosted by Pacific Union at 12:00 pm.
