LA GRANDE, Ore. – The No. 12 Eastern Oregon volleyball team continued their hot streak on Friday night, beating the visiting Beacons in straight sets 25-20, 25-21, 25-22.
 
The Mountaineers (12-4, 6-1 CCC) lived up to the hype that comes with a top 25 ranking, owning a 48-33 kill advantage while out-hitting Northwest Christian .269 to .125. The Beacons fought hard but couldn't overcome the offensive onslaught of EOU.
 
NCU scored the first points of the night, trading back-and-forth until the Mounties strung together a six-point slash, putting them up seven. The Beacons rattled off two streaks of their own but dropped the first set by five. Set two teased a change of pace with Northwest Christian taking the lead for much of the contest until Eastern again pulled-away and closed the set on top. NCU regrouped and came out strong in the third set, at one point holding a seven-point lead. EOU remained poised under pressure, however, battling-back with multiple five-point runs and sealing the victory.
 
Eastern Oregon spread the ball around as six players downed at least six kills. Amanda Miller led the way with a match-high 11 kills on .301 hitting. Madison Pilon and Abby Smith took turns setting their teammates, collecting 17 and 16 assists respectively. Two Mountaineers ended the night with double digits in the dig column as Malia Mills had 14 and Kiley McMurtrey 11.
 
Northwest Christian (9-3, 5-3) was led offensively by Claire Salness who had nine kills, along with three assists and four digs. Freshman Kasey Campbell and Natalie Downes (pictured) were next in line with eight and seven. Maci Beierly posted 26 assists for the Beacons, while also contributing three kills and eight digs. NCU also had multiple players surpass 10 digs in the match with Haley Damian notching 14 and Kayla Olson collecting 12.
 
Both teams are back in action on Saturday taking on ranked opponents. Northwest Christian heads north for a match with No. 8 College of Idaho, while EOU hosts No.16 Corban. 5 p.m. start times for both contests.