EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University volleyball team served up a cross-town victory on Wednesday night in their home debut, collecting ten aces in route to a 25-15, 25-20, 25-15 victory.
 
Between the evening game and a scrimmage with Chemeketa earlier in the day, all of the active roster was able to see action, making it a very beneficial day for the 4-1 Beacons.  "It was nice to have two matches today to get everyone in for some sets," said Head Coach Jason Corwin. "Everyone did a fantastic job. They are getting better every single day and the more time we are able to spend in the gym together, the more we are starting to mesh."
 
The Beacons hit .233 on the night with setters Haley Meili and Makenna Northern both picking up 14 assists. The Beacons also held a 7-1 advantage in blocking, including four block assists from Natalie Downes.
 
Corwin said, "We played a clean match tonight. Our serving was a little soft in the second set and let New Hope get into their offensive system and they put a lot of pressure on us. We cleaned that up in set three. I challenged the team to work harder at out-scoring our opponents so we aren't reliant on our opponents making more errors."
 
The Beacons were led offensively by Megan Van Marter with nine kills as she hit .538. Claire Salness added eight kills, led the Beacons with eight digs and posted five service aces. Meili contributed three aces as well.
 
New Hope (1-1), winners earlier in the day against Walla Walla, were led by Chandler Heinrick with nine kills. Loke Moepono-Techur added seven kills. Violet Mills posted a match-high 20 assists while Breezy Husband led all players with 17 digs.
 
NCU will return to action this weekend traveling to Ashland to compete in the Southern Oregon Tournament. They face Simpson University on Saturday morning at 9:00 am and then on Sunday they face Lewis-Clark State at 11:00 am.