MONMOUTH, Ore. – Northwest Nazarene volleyball was able to hold off Western Oregon in an exciting fifth-set finish to defeat the Wolves 3-2 on the road Thursday evening.
NNU improves to 10-10 on the season and 6-6 in GNAC action.
The opening set was filled with runs by both sides, starting with NNU taking the first three points before WOU scored seven in a row. Late in the frame, a
Gabi Moore ace tied things up at 23, but the Wolves then recorded back-to-back kills to take the set.
Set two went NNU's way without too much trouble, as the Nighthawks' lead grew throughout the frame before NNU took the 25-16 victory. NNU also led for most of the third set, but WOU would rally to even things up at 22. Three-straight attack errors for the Wolves handed the set right back to the Nighthawks, though, to put the visitors up 2-1.
NNU seemed to be poised to take the match in four sets as they led 24-20 in the fourth, but WOU would score six unanswered points to win 26-24 and force a deciding fifth frame.
The Nighthawks would not let the setback affect them in the fifth set, however, claiming an exciting final frame 18-16 to take the match.
Hailey Cheney was impressive at the net, recording career highs in both kills with 17 and hitting percentage at .577.
Abby Black also notched a career best 20 kills to lead the team.
Maren Dent had a big double-double with 15 kills and 29 digs, while
Caroline McMahon recorded 38 digs, fourth-most in NNU's DII history in a single match.
Gabi Moore also tallied 53 assists, 20 digs, and three aces.
Both matches between the Nighthawks and Wolves this season went to five sets, with the visiting team taking the victory each time.
NNU will now travel up I-5 and take on Saint Martin's on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Pacific in Lacey.
