WALLA WALLA, Wash. – In a match that saw three different Wolves record double-digit kills, Walla Walla University Women's Volleyball defeated Northwest University in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 25-19, 14-25, 24-26, 15-11.
The Wolves jumped out to a two-set lead and appeared to have all the momentum heading into the third set. However, Northwest responded with a 10-point run to take a 14-2 lead. The Eagles maintained control from there, cruising to a 25-14 victory and cutting the Wolves' lead to 2-1.
In the fourth set, WWU jumped out to a 10-5 lead and continued to carry the momentum late into the frame, taking a 23-19 advantage. With the match on the line, the Eagles rallied with a 7-1 run to close the set and force a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, the Wolves used a five-point run to create the breathing room they needed to close out the match, earning their second conference victory of the season.
The Eagles' offense was powered by strong performances from Haylee Koetje, Chloe Kennedy and Jaelyn Moeva. The trio combined for 30 kills and seven service aces, with Moeva accounting for five of Northwest's aces.
The Wolves' attack was once again led by senior
Sahara Browning, who totaled 21 kills.
Femke Eising added 12 kills, while
Kienna Stepper turned in one of her best performances of the season with 12 kills and five blocks.
"What a nail-biter," Head Coach Don Hepker said. "Both teams had to overcome a lot, and my hat goes off to the NU team. They battled hard. We had key performances from Kienna and Lauren in the middle. They helped open up our offense to allow more productivity from our pin hitters. Kienna also dominated the net to help close out the match. Big shoutout to both Michaela and Savannah. They came off the bench and helped energize the team to earn the win."
UP NEXT: WWU will host The Evergreen State College at 9 p.m. Saturday at Walla Walla Community College.
