ARCATA, Calif. – After suffering a loss on Friday, Northwest Nazarene bounced back in a big way Saturday, sweeping Rollins, 25-22, 25-14, 25-16, to close out the Redwood Coast Volleyball Classic on a high note.
The Nighthawks came out ready to respond, trading points with the Tars through the opening set. Neither team could gain much separation early, but NNU found its rhythm late, using a 4-0 run to take an 18-15 lead. Rollins fought back to tie the set at 20-20, but the Nighthawks answered once again, closing on a 5-2 run to take the opener, 25-22.
NNU carried that momentum directly into the second set. The Nighthawks quickly established control with an 8-4 run and continued to build their advantage throughout the frame.
Whitleigh Walsh played a key role in the run, recording two service aces and helping NNU build a 16-7 lead. The Nighthawks never allowed Rollins to mount a comeback, cruising to a 25-14 win and taking a 2-0 match lead.
The Nighthawks kept their foot on the gas in the third. After Rollins opened with a 2-0 lead, NNU quickly settled in and built a 9-6 advantage. The Tars remained within striking distance, but the Nighthawks steadily extended their lead, moving ahead 16-11 before putting the match away late.
Kayci Spray added two service aces in the set, while
Hailey Cheney,
Maddy Hellem and
Morgan Wilding provided key offensive plays. NNU closed with a 5-0 run to secure the 25-16 victory and complete the sweep.
The Nighthawks will now turn their attention to conference play, heading to Bellingham, Washington, next week to take on the Western Washington Vikings. NNU will open GNAC play at 7 p.m. Pacific on Thursday the 10th inside Carver Gym.
