EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University volleyball team trailed 14-11 in the fifth set but rallied to score five straight points, claiming their first ever victory in Klamath Falls with a 25-20, 22-25, 20-25, 25-21, 16-14 win over Oregon Tech on Saturday night. Sophomore Middle Blocker
Chelsea McGowan (pictured) tied a school record for block assists as she posted nine in the match.
“This was an epic win for us tonight,” said head coach Mike Gaffaney. “Both teams played well and once again we fought back to get it done. Most impressively, our energy level only got higher as we went along tonight.”
The Beacons (11-8, 4-5) close out the first half of Cascade Collegiate Conference action in a tie for sixth place and just two games out of third. For the first time this year, six teams will qualify for the CCC playoffs.
NCU was led once again by
Tami Brown, collecting 18 kills, 13 digs and three blocks.
Maren Mansfield also recorded a double-double with eleven kills and ten digs, adding three blocks and two service aces.
Taylor Richardson followed with ten kills.
Chelsea McGowan added eight kills to her nine blocks on the night.
Chandler Gabrio added seven kills, hitting .500 to go along with four blocks. The Beacons out-blocked OIT, 12-10.
Playing back in her hometown, junior setter
Cori Wallace collected a double-double with 13 digs and a match-high 37 assists.
Dana McGowan finished the night with 17 digs.
Oregon Tech (10-12, 2-7) was led by Kristen Walters, posting a match-high with 19 kills, adding 13 digs. Aurora Penoyar added 14 kills.
The Beacons will return home next weekend to begin the second half of the Cascade Conference schedule, playing host to Eastern Oregon at 7:00 pm.