Northwestern College powered its way to a sweep over College of Saint Mary (Neb.) in a GPAC volleyball match-up played tonight in the Bultman Center. The Red Raiders move to 2-1 in conference play and even their record to 10-10 on the year. CSM dropped to 1-3 and 5-5. 

The Red Raiders' offense was humming early and often, hitting .375 for the match, totaling 51 kills in 112 attempts against just nine errors. Three players hit for double figures, led by a strong effort by A.J. Horstman with 13 kills and three blocks. Lauryn Hilger added 11 kills in 23 attacks for a .478 hitting percentage and Jessica Jensen added 10 kills in 23 attempts. 

Big Run Puts Red Raiders On Top in First Set

Northwestern used an 11-2 run to open the match with a 25-17 win. Leading by just one (12-11), Horstman smashed down a kill from the leftside pin to start the run. Following a sideout for both teams, Brooke Van Gorp served nine straight, including a pair of aces, as Northwestern pulled away.

Dominant Play at Net Keys Set Two Win

 The Red Raiders showcased all of their firepower in a dominant 25-10 set two against the shell-shocked Flames. Northwestern hit .519 and held the CSM attack to a negative hitting percentage for the set, led by Caley Vink who totaled four kills and two of her three blocks. Northwestern received strong contributions from all of its attackers, getting kills from eight different players.

Northwestern Closes Third Set Strong

The Red Raiders were not clicking at the same level early in the third as the set was tied at 10 following four consecutive points by the Flames. Northwestern, however, picked it up, scoring 10 of the next 11 points and led 20-11 following another kill by Horstman. The teams traded points to close out the set as Northwestern went to win, 25-15. 

Notes:

Northwestern moves it's record to .500 for the first time this season

The trio of Hilger, Horstman and Jensen have hit for double figures in eight matches this season

Estes totaled 20+ digs for the third time this year