EUGENE, Ore. – The final result was exactly what Northwest Christian University wanted from the Simpson University Invitational, but the route that the Beacons took to get there was anything but pretty. NCU went 6-0 in the tournament, in addition to a three-set scrimmage win, to open the season undefeated.
 
After an ominous beginning, junior Carissa Allen twisted an ankle during warmups after landing on a role of tape left on the floor under the net, the weekend started out strong in an abbreviated scrimmage against new CCC foe Walla Walla, which the Beacons won 2-1.
 
They continued to cruise along with 3-0 victories over West Coast Baptist (25-14, 25-11, 25-16) and New Hope Christian (scores unavailable), before heading into the their Friday night finale with the hosts. Simpson won the first set 25-22. Early in the second half, one of the worst-case scenarios happened as NCU's starting setter (and currently, the only healthy setter on the roster) Laurie Salness went down with an injury. NCU was left scrambling and was forced to employ the services of emergency setters Sydney Rothenbush and Taylor Burnett (pictured).
 
The two performed admirably as the Beacons won the final three sets, 25-14, 31-29, 25-20 to end the first day of competition with a 3-0 record. Head Coach Kelly Rosin said, "This was a huge team effort today with all of our players having to be flexible with the adversity that we faced. Losing Carissa on the outside and Laurie setting, we could have combusted."
 
Burnett played a full rotation during the final match, setting while in the back-row, and the effort paid off as she produced the first triple-double in school history. She hit .289 with 14 kills, 14 digs and 12 assists. Rothenbush finished with 16 assists and 13 digs. Chandler Gabrio also posted a solid showing with 12 kills, seven digs, three service aces and two blocks.
 
NCU opened up Saturday action with their second straight match against Simpson and once again the Beacons came out victorious, this time in five sets (27-29, 25-16, 16-25, 25-19, 15-13). Kayla Ping led the way on offense, collecting 13 kills and 14 digs while putting down two service aces.
 
Burnett, once against working a 6-2 system with Rothenbush, completed another triple-double, collecting 12 kills 20 assists and ten digs. Rothenbush added a career-high 30 assists.
 
Next on the chopping block with New Hope Christian as the Beacons once again won in three sets, 25-11, 25-11, 25-19. NCU rolled to victory as they held the Deacons to a -.058 hitting percentage. The Beacons collected nine service aces in the match, including five from senior Chloe Davis.
 
The final victim was West Coast Baptist, this time falling 25-10, 25-19, 25-15. This time it was junior Cassidy Winters who took her turn in the limelight, hitting .778 with seven kills on just nine swings, adding two blocks. Running a 5-1 formation, Rothenbush collected 19 assists and three kills in the victory.
 
The Beacons were rewarded for their efforts on Sunday as they were named the CCC Adidas Team of the Week.
 
NCU will look to keep their momentum going on Tuesday when they travel to Newberg, Oregon to take on George Fox University in a non-conference match at 7:00 p.m.