A.J. Horstman put down a match-high 15 kills in leading Northwestern to a home sweep over Dakota Wesleyan in a conference match-up played tonight at the Bultman Center. Individual scores were 25-18, 25-20, 25-8.
Northwestern improved its record to 3-2 in the GPAC, 11-11 overall. DWU slips to 1-3 the GPAC, 11-5 overall.
The Red Raiders dominated at the net for most of the three-set match, totaling 45 kills in 101 attempts against just 12 errors, hitting .327 as a team. Horstman paced the Northwestern offense with a .481 hitting percentage, putting down 15 kills to go with 12 digs for her third double-double. Jessica Jensen (9) and Lauryn Hilger (7) complimented Horstman's successful attack, as did Caley Vink who added four kills and a team-best 3.5 blocks. Jillian Estes totaled 13 digs and served a career-high five aces.
Horstman, Keune Lead Strong Attack in First Set
Horstman and Kenzie Keune paced the Red Raider offense with five and four kills, respectively, in its 25-18 in. Northwestern jumped out to a 6-1 lead behind the strong serving of Estes. DWU came back to within two (17-15) but the Red Raiders closed on an 8-3 run, getting two kills each from Horstman, Keune and Hilger during the decisive run.
Red Raiders Use Late Run To Pull Away in Tight Second Set
Northwestern's offense was not as effective at the onset of the second frame as DWU led 6-2 behind kills by Lauren Tadlock. The hosts rallied to tie it at 11 and the set was tied eight more times thereafter. Knotted at 19, Northwestern ended with a 6-1 run, beginning with back-to-back kills by Jessice Jensen, and aided by the effective serving of Jessa Doom.
Northwestern Dominates Third Set
The Red Raiders led from start to finish and hit .600 over the final set, totalling 13 kills in 20 attempts against one error.
Red Raider Notes:
Northwestern totaled nine aces; third most of the season, led by Jillian Estes who set a career best with five.
Horstman has now hit for double figures in 12 matches and has three double-doubles.
Jessa Doom lofted up 40 assists, her sixth match with 40+ assists
