PORTLAND, Ore. – The Multnomah University volleyball team got off to a strong start in Saturday's match against Northwest Christian, but it wouldn't be enough as the Beacons battled back to win in four sets 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, and 21-25 on Jim Skagen Court.
Three Beacons finished in the double digits in kills with Cassidy Winters earning 12 and Taylor Burnett and Keri Schwarz each recorded 10 kills.
The Lions (5-11, 1-9 CCC) fell behind in the first set 11-6 before a five point swing gave the momentum to Multnomah. MU closed out the first set on a 6-3 run to take the opening set 25-21.
"NCU did a tremendous job on defense and finding ways to make good plays on out of system balls," said head coach
Jenna Bouey. "We just had a hard time converting at the end of the night."
Patty Batoon finished with a match high 15 kills on 40 hits, while
Miranda Halverson added 12 kills of her own.
Set two started out in Northwest Christian's favor as the Beacons jumped to an early 7-3 lead. As the Lions forced a tie at 8-8, NCU found a 7-2 run before closing out the set with three straight points to tie the match 1-1.
Maci Beierle orchestrated an NCU offense that finished with a .197 hitting percentage, registering 35 assists while Burnett added a team high 23 digs.
Trailing 14-9 in the third set, Northwest Christian rattled off a 10-1 run, including six straight points to gain the lead. MU didn't quit as they once again tied it, 19-19, but another five point run by the Beacons gave them the 2-1 advantage.
Kiana Miller finished with a season high 25 digs for MU while
Kayla Keane added 17 digs.
Marissa Rhodes tallied 23 assists while
Rachel Woodcock earned 17 assists on the night.
"I thought Miller had an amazing night and Batoon had one of her best matches at the net. We're proud of the way the team played," said Bouey.
MU struggled offensively in the final set of the night, totaling 10 errors in the set with only 10 kills, giving the Beacons the opportunity to close out the night 3-1.
The Lions return to Jim Skagen Court as they welcome in New Hope Christian for a nonconference match on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
