Walla Walla University Athletics

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Walla Walla University women's volleyball rallied from a two-set deficit to force a fifth set against Northwest University on Saturday night, but the Eagles held on to win the Cascade Collegiate Conference matchup 3-2 (25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 15-12).

The Wolves faced an early challenge as Northwest claimed the first two sets, taking the opening frame 25-21 before earning another 25-21 victory in the second. Walla Walla continued to battle, keeping the sets competitive but entering the break down 2-0.

Walla Walla responded in the third set, finding its offensive rhythm with 15 kills. The Wolves established control early, building an 8-3 advantage and extending the lead to 18-11. Behind a balanced offensive effort, Walla Walla closed out the set 25-19 to cut the deficit to one.

The Wolves carried that momentum into the fourth set, continuing to trade points with the Eagles early. Walla Walla began to pull away midway through the frame, turning a 16-15 lead into a 21-16 advantage. The Wolves maintained control down the stretch, closing out another 25-19 set to even the match at two sets apiece.

In the decisive fifth set, Walla Walla jumped out to a 5-1 lead, putting pressure on the Eagles early. Northwest gradually worked its way back into the match, eventually taking a 10-8 lead. The Wolves fought to stay within reach, tying the score at 11-11 behind a kill from Sahara Browning, but the Eagles scored four of the final five points to secure the 15-12 set victory.

Browning led the Wolves with 26 kills and 16 digs, finishing with 31.5 points. Alina Shawgo added nine kills, while Kienna Stepper recorded six kills and a team-high seven block assists. Kylee Stinger contributed 18 assists and four service aces, and Olivia Cheek added 24 assists and 12 digs.

Walla Walla finished with 56 kills and a .234 hitting percentage, including a strong fourth-set performance in which the Wolves recorded 15 kills while hitting .382.

The Wolves move to 4-12 overall and 4-10 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.

UP NEXT: Walla Walla will travel to Lewiston, Idaho on Tuesday to play the LC State Warriors.