KIRKLAND, Wash. – A slow start sunk the Multnomah University volleyball team on Saturday night as they couldn't complete the comeback, falling to Northwest University in four sets 13-25, 23-25, 25-19 and 18-25 at the NU Pavilion.
 
Neither team had much success offensively as Northwest claimed a .115 attacking percentage, compared to MU's .072.
 
Northwest (5-2, 2-0 CCC) tallied 14 aces on their way to their second straight Cascade Collegiate Conference win while the Lions fall to 3-5 on the season, and 0-3 in CCC play.
 
How it Happened: After trading points back and forth in the opening set, the Eagles took off on their first run of the night. Tied 10-10, Northwest used a 15-3 run to close out the set and take a quick lead on the night.
 
The second set began much like the first with neither team really able to take command. As Northwest put together a 19-14 lead, Multnomah found some life in the night, racking up six straight points on their way to a 22-20 lead. The Eagles avoided the tie, coming up with two aces as the Lions dropped set two 25-23.
 
Determined to avoid their second straight sweep, the Lions jumped out on top in the third set, reaching a 10-3 advantage. Northwest kept things interesting, tying the set at 14-14 but another six point run by MU gave them the set after a kill by freshman Hannah Antal.
 
MU kept the fight alive in what would be the final set of the night, earning a 10-7 lead to start the set. Trailing 18-17, the Eagles put the match away, claiming the last eight points in the match on their way to a 2-0 start in conference play.
 
By the Numbers: Sophomore Miranda Halverson was the big arm for the Lions, recording a match high 15 kills with a .257 hitting percentage. Patty Batoon followed with 10 kills and Maile Kam with six.
 
Second year setter Marissa Rhodes facilitated the offense with 12 assists while freshman Jenna Horton finished with a match high 20 digs.
 
Coming Up Next: The Lions will return home after playing eight matches on the road, taking a break from CCC action as they host NCAA DIII Pacific University on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. on Jim Skagen Court.