KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Closing the book on a seven-match losing streak, the Northwest Christian University volleyball got back on track in a big way on Saturday evening, sweeping a Cascade Collegiate Conference match from Oregon Tech, 27-25, 25-15, 26-24.
 
The Beacons (7-9, 2-7 CCC) had their offensive in rhythm the entire night, hitting .343 with a 48-33 advantage in kills over the three sets.
 
The early stages of the match were setting up for a long competitive night. NCU began with a 12-6 lead, only to see the Owls call a timeout and cruise to an 8-1 run to grab the lead. In all, the teams were tied 9 times in the set, but the Beacons were finally able to close it out with back-to-back kills from Megan Van Marter and Kasey Campbell.
 
Ironically, the Beacons had their worse kill percentage (.222) in the only set that they rolled to a comfortable win. This was due in large part to a strong defensive effort that held OIT to just six kills with nine attack errors as they hit a -.103.
 
The Owls rebounded in the third set, which proved to be another classic fight featuring six lead changes and 12 ties. Similar to the first set, the Beacons at one point pulled out to a five-point lead, only to see the home team rally late. The game was tied at 22 and 24 but a kill from Claire Salness and an OIT attack error ended the match.
 
NCU was led for the second night in a row by their strong presence in the middle. Natalie Downes hit .524 on the night, collecting a match-high 12 kills and three blocks. Megan Van Marter added nine kills, hitting .438 with a block.
 
Claire Salness added ten kills and eight digs while Haley Meili led NCU with 14 assists. Kayla Olson owned a match-best 14 digs along with one of the Beacon's four service aces.
 
Oregon Tech (9-9, 4-7) was led by Camryn Johnson who collected 11 kills, but it was setter Jaime Toedtemeier that truly impressed, hitting .700 with seven kills and a match-high 23 assists. McKenna Woolley posted nine kills while Lindsey Sampson added 12 digs and led all players with 23 assists.
 
The Beacons will look to keep their newfound momentum rolling on Friday, October 5 when they head north to Portland to take on Warner Pacific University (4-11, 3-7) at 7:00 pm. The Knights knocked off the Beacons in Eugene earlier this season.