Northwestern College dropped its GPAC opener to No.14 Dordt in straight sets tonight in a match played in Sioux Center, Iowa. Individual scores were 26-24, 25-20, 25-16. 

The Red Raiders fall to 5-9 on the year while Dordt improves its record to 7-2. 

Northwestern Unable To Hold On After Early Lead in Set One

The Red Raiders built up an early three-point lead (9-6) and again led by three (11-8) moments later following a kill by Lauryn Hilger. Dordt scored five of the next six points and led 13-12 but the score remained close until the end, featuring 10 ties over the final half of the first set. Tied at 24, Dordt clinched the first set after two Red Raider miscues. Northwestern hit .257 compared to .364 by the Defenders. 

Defenders Pull Away Late In Second

The second set began just as the first with the teams trading points and featured several ties and lead changes. With the score tied at 12, Dordt outscored Northwestern 9-3, forcing the Red Raiders to use both timeouts, to gain control and take a 2-0 lead. Both teams hit a bit lower at the net in the second set; Northwestern .200 and Dordt .38.

Northwestern Trails From Start To Finish In Third Set

The Red Raiders could not overcome a fast start by the hosts in the final set, falling behind 9-5 and 12-6. Northwestern managed to get within two following a kill by A.J. Horstman but another Dordt run (6-1) clinched the set and the match.

By the Numbers...

Northwestern hit .204 for the match and had three players in double figures; Jessica Jensen, A.J. Horstman and Lauryn Hilger, who all put down 11 kills.

Hilger has now hit for double figures in 12 of the Red Raiders' 14 matches; Both Horstman and Jensen have been in double figures seven times.

Jessa Doom lofted up 36 assists and served a perfect 11-for-11. Jillian Estes led the backrow with 11 digs.

Dordt hit .398 for the match and held a 9-2 advantage in total blocks.

Ema Altena (11) and Elizabeth Kiel (10) were the top attackers for the Defenders.