KIRKLAND, Wash. - The Northwest Christian University volleyball team had a difficult time with the Eagles on Friday night, falling to Northwest University in three sets, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21.
 
The Beacons (5-8, 3-4 CCC) hit just .029 and had over 30 unforced errors against the second-place Eagles who are currently ranked No. 20 in the NAIA. Northwest (9-3, 6-1) used a strong offensive effort along with a 9-2 advantage in blocks to contain any NCU threat.
 
Kendall Bergsten led the way for Northwest Christian, collecting a match-high ten kills. Cassidy Winters and Taylor Burnett added seven kills apiece with Winters chipping in two service aces. Macie Beierle added 26 assists and Keri Schwarz had a hand in both NCU blocks.
 
The back row provided a silver lining in the loss as the Libero/Defensive Specialist combination of Haley Damian, Sydney Rothenbush and Kayla Olson (pictured) combined for 41 digs. Damian set the benchmark with 16, averaging over five per set.
 
NU was led by Hannah Hanson, collecting eight kills and four blocks while hitting .421. Mattie Jo Johnson had eight kills and three blocks. Morgan Pilon led all players with 31 assists and Leia Roy collected an evening's best with 19 digs.
 
NCU returns to action on Saturday, traveling to Olympia to face Evergreen at 5:00 pm.