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Northwestern College Athletics

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HOME OF NORTHWESTERN RED RAIDERS ATHLETICS
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Nike
vb-recap-251122
0
Saint Xavier (IL) SXU 18-11
3
Winner Northwestern NWC 29-3
Saint Xavier (IL) SXU
18-11
0
Final
3
Northwestern NWC
29-3
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 F
Saint Xavier (IL) SXU 13 11 15 (0)
Northwestern NWC 25 25 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball | | NWC Athletic Communications

Northwestern Advances to NAIA Final Site with Sweep

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern won its sixth consecutive NAIA Opening Round match on Saturday, defeating Saint Xavier (Ill.) in straight sets.

NWC 3, SXU 0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-15)
How It Happened
The first set began with Northwestern establishing an early lead, highlighted by Stella Winterfeld's kill from Liv Reitsma to open the scoring. The hosts capitalized on several attack errors from Saint Xavier, quickly pulling ahead 4-0. Despite a brief rally from the Cougars, Northwestern maintained their momentum with Rylie Franken and Winterfeld contributing multiple kills. Zavyr Metzger's presence at the net was significant, contributing to blocks that put Northwestern firmly in control. The set concluded with a dominant sequence from Northwestern, including back-to-back service aces by Winterfeld, before Sidney Oostra's decisive kill secured the 25-13 victory.

Northwestern secured another dominant 25-11 victory in the second set, propelled by consistent scoring and defensive efforts. The set featured strong performances by Franken, who bookended the set with kills at both the opening and closing points, both assisted by Reitsma. The Red Raiders capitalized on several errors by SXU, including three consecutive attack errors following a timeout at 12-5, which extended their lead. Jenny Jensen of the Cougars attempted to keep her team in the game with multiple kills, but the Raiders' steady blocking and opportunistic play proved decisive in closing out the set.

The Raiders secured a dominant performance in the third set, clinching a 25-15 victory. Nicole Grochola opened the set with consecutive kills, helping the Cougars to an early 3-0 lead, but the Raiders quickly responded with a service ace from Nyah Potthoff to tie the score at 4-4. Reitsma was instrumental in facilitating the offense, assisting on multiple crucial kills, including those by Winterfeld and Franken. Northwestern capitalized on several attack errors by SXU, extending their lead mid-set. The set concluded with a double hit on a long volley, sealing the win for the Red Raiders.

MATCH NOTES:
  • Zavyr Metzger led all players with nine blocks, also adding four kills on 10 attempts.
  • Stella Winterfeld led all players with 12 kills.
  • She added two aces, three blocks, and three digs as well.
  • Rylie Franken totaled seven blocks and had a pair of blocks.
  • Liv Reitsma had 13 assists and seven digs.
  • Nyah Potthoff collected 12 assists and seven digs.
  • Sidney Oostra finished with five kills, two blocks, and nine digs.
  • Northwestern had 12 blocks on the day.
  • The Raiders hit .282 and held SXU to a -.055 clip.
Up Next: Northwestern will compete in Pool Play of the NAIA tournament, to be played December 3 and 5 at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut
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