No. 13 Northwestern College did not drop a set and earned two impressive wins in its 2017 season debut today at their own Classic, defeating both Mayville State and Valley City State by the score of 3-0. 

vs Mayville State...

 Northwestern hit nearly .500 in its first match, a 25-10, 25-19, 25-10 win over Mayville Sate. The Red Raiders totaled 57 kills against just seven errors for a .490 efficiency, the fourth highest percentage since the 2001 season. Newcomer Anna Kiel led the way with 19 kills in 27 attacks (.667) and returning All-American Lauryn Hilger was nearly perfect against the Comets, putting down 16 kills in 22 attempts for a .727 clip. A.J. Horstman (8) and Makenzie Fink (7) were also among the top hitters for NWC. 

Lacey Wacker enjoyed a productive afternoon as setter, lofting up 45 assists while also producing four ace serves. Karsyn Winterfeld added three aces and a team-best 15 digs.

Mayville State (1-6) was led by Hannah Bliss with eight kills and Jana Mehus put up 17 assists. The Comets were limited to .096 attack percentage by the tall frontline of the Red Raiders. 

vs Valley City State...

The Red Raiders used their aggressive serving and strong net play to put away the Vikings in straight sets, 25-15, 25-15 and 25-17. Head Coach Kyle Van Den Bosch's squad served 16 aces, tied for fifth most all-time and the highest total since the 2009 season. Winterfeld led the way with seven aces, tied for third most all-time, while Hilger (3), Wacker (2) and Horstman (2) also served multiple aces.

Hilger led a balanced attack at the net, putting down nine kills, and Horstman added seven. Wacker lofted up 27 assists and guided the Red Raider offense to a .217 efficiency. 

Valley City State was led by Megan Johnson with 11 kills and Hallie Wilds added 12 digs.

Up Next...Northwestern will host Waldorf and No.9 Corban on Saturday, August 26, on the final day of the Red Raider Classic.