KIRKLAND, Wash.  – The Northwest Christian University volleyball missed on their first attempt to tie their season win total from a year ago, losing to Northwest University on Saturday night, 22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 18-25.

All four sets were tightly contested with numerous ties and lead changes throughout. Head Coach Mike Gaffaney said, “We played well tonight and I was proud of how we played. We were somewhat inconsistent at times, but the girls fought hard the entire night.”

The first set saw NCU break out to an early 11-6 lead, but the Eagles rebounded to tie the game at 15-15 and after four ties, NU pulled ahead and snagged the three-point win. In the second set, Northwest had the early 9-6 lead, but the Beacons overtook the Eagles at 11-10 and never looked back, winning the set on a kill from Emily O'Neal.

The Eagles took a commanding 14-8 lead in the third set, but the Beacons once again rallied, eventually tying the set at 21-21 on three straight kills. Northwest hung on, however, to claim the set. NU jumped ahead 12-4 in the fourth set and let the rest of the way.

Northwest (5-5, 3-2 CCC) was led by Breanna Covey with 16 kills and Lauryn Ernster collected 38 assists, seven digs and two aces. It was Sophomore Sarah Stoker, however, who did the most damage, hitting .393 with 13 kills and three blocks.

“Northwest played really well,” said Gaffaney, “and Stoker was dominant at critical times in the match which really made the difference for them tonight.”

The Beacons (7-6, 2-4 CCC) were led by Cori Wallace (pictured), collecting 34 assists and eleven digs for her sixth double-double of the season. Danielle Nance had 11 kills and three blocks while O'Neal finished with ten kills and a pair of service aces.

Chelsea McGowan had a strong night in the middle, collecting six kills and six blocks, including three solo jobs. Dana Clark collected 17 digs to lead the Beacons, who out-dug NU, 70-60.

Northwest Christian will be back in action on Friday night, returning to the Morse Event Center to take on rival Corban University at 7:00 pm.