EUGENE, Ore. – The Beacons came out strong, hitting. 233 in the first set, but the powerful Southern Oregon University was too much in a 3-0 loss, 25-23, 25-20, 25-14.
 
The Beacons (6-9, 1-7 CCC) were out-hit by Southern Oregon, .241 to .076, but NCU commanded the early action hold a three-point lead in the opening moments of the match. The first set featured four lead changes and were tied ten times. After the Raiders took lead, and went up 19-15, the Beacons stormed back with a five-point run to take their last lead, 20-19.
 
The Raiders (16-1, 9-1) were led by Taylor Ristvedt, hitting .440 with 13 kills and five blocks. Makayla Hoyt added 12 kills and three blocks while Elliott Cook led all players with six blocks. As a unit, SOU out-blocked the Beacons, 10-5.
 
NCU was led by Megan Van Marter's eight kills while Natalie Downes hit .375 with seven kills and three blocks. Kayla Olson posted a match-best 16 digs in the loss.
 
The Beacons will look to get back in the win column on Saturday evening as they travel to Klamath Falls to take on Oregon Tech at 5:00 pm.