Box Score Seaside, Calif. - The Northwest Nazarene University volleyball team opened the 2017 season this afternoon at the Spring Hill Classic, hosted by Cal State Monterey Bay at The Kelp Bed, with victories over Cal Poly Pomona and the host CSUMB Otters.  

The Crusaders (2-0) defeated Cal Poly Pomona (0-2) in straight sets 25-19 , 25-13 , 25-15, in their opener and then returned for the final match of the day with a 27-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-17 win over CSUMB.

"We played really good volleyball today," commented NNU head coach Doug English.  "Our middles played great this morning and then our outsides played great tonight."

Against the Otters (1-1), outside hitter Kendra Bodine led all players with 27 kills, hitting .349 in the match against just five attack errors.  Hailey Cook posted a match-high 57 assists, helping Madi Farrell finish with 16 kills and Mari Thomas with 13.

"It is fun to be part of a group where we can win in a bunch of different ways," English continued.  "Our defense was consistent and we worked really hard."

Crusader libero Shayli Siegfried hustled for a match-high 27 digs, Thomas finished with 15, Bodine with 12 and Cami Heninger had 10.

Earlier in the day Madi Farrell led the Crusaders with 15 kills as the Broncos had no answer for the senior middle as she hit .542 in the victory.  Bodine reached double-figures with 12 kills and Cook dished out 37 assists.

The Crusader defense was efficient with 60 digs, led by Siegfried with 18, and held CPP offense in check, not allowing any Bronco to reach double-figures.

NNU will return to action on Saturday, facing Metro State (CO) at 11:30 a.m. PT and Dixie State (UT) at 4:30 p.m. PT.