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Nike
vb-recap-251205
0
Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS 33-7
3
Winner Northwestern NWC 31-3
Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS
33-7
0
Final
3
Northwestern NWC
31-3
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 F
Aquinas (MI) AQUINAS 22 16 19 (0)
Northwestern NWC 25 25 25 (3)

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

Metzger Sets Single-Season Blocks Record as Northwestern Advances to NAIA Quarterfinals

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Zavyr Metzger broke her own single-season blocks record as Northwestern took down Aquinas (Mich.) in straight sets at the Tyson Events Center.

NWC 3, AQ 0 (25-22, 25-16,25-19)
How It Happened
The first set kicked off with the Red Raiders and Saints exchanging early points, highlighted by a service ace from Bella Hommes. Northwestern quickly countered with a kill from Stella Winterfeld, leveling the score. Northwestern's first lead of the night came off of a service error, putting the Raiders ahead 7-6. Although Northwestern's middle attack was on target through the early going, Aquinas found a way to gain their largest lead thus far, making it 14-11 on an ace.

Northwestern battled back thanks to the arm of Sidney Oostra, who had two-straight kills and a block to bring it back to a 14-14 deadlock. Midway through the set, the momentum stayed with the Red Raiders thanks to a series of successful moves, including a block by Zavyr Metzger and Emma Westphal. Although the Saints briefly tied the score, the Red Raiders exploited the Saints' attack errors to pull ahead.
As the set drew to a close, the Raiders held strong. Winterfeld's decisive kill on the roll shot to go ahead 20-19 and force a timeout, followed by a block from Metzger and Rylie Franken to bring it to set point, solidified their lead in the 25-22 victory.

Northwestern charged into the second set with a burst of energy, highlighted by a powerful block from Rylie Franken and Maddy Sampson, setting the stage for an early 5-1 run. Winterfeld's effective attack, paired with a service ace from Maggie Bloom, forced a Saints timeout. After the break, a 3-0 service run from Liv Reitsma gave the Raiders a commanding lead.

Despite a brief rally from the Saints, the Red Raiders' defense, led by Metzger's blocking prowess, stifled a comeback attempt. A late surge, punctuated by kills from Oostra and Winterfeld, propelled the Red Raiders to a commanding 25-16 win, closing the set with a comfortable margin.

The Red Raiders opened the third set with decisive plays, as Franken delivered a kill with an assist from Reitsma to tie the score early. Northwestern gained momentum with Winterfeld's service ace and a subsequent kill by Westphal, moving ahead 6-3. The Saints called a timeout as the Red Raiders stretched their lead to 7-3

Mid-set, the Saints attempted to close the gap with an 8-4 run to tie the score at 11, but the Raiders maintained their edge with key points from Franken and Winterfeld. Potthoff's assist set then up Winterfeld for a crucial kill, maintaining a two-point advantage at 15-13.

Closing the set, the Red Raiders capitalized on the Saints' errors and strong attacks, including a kill by Winterfeld to reach 24-19. Westphal sealed the match with a powerful swing, sending Northwestern to the NAIA Quarterfinals for the second time in three seasons.

MATCH NOTES:
  • The Red Raiders advance to the NAIA Quarterfinals for the ninth time in program history.
  • Zavyr Metzger broke her own school record for single-season blocks, now with 231 and counting.
  • Metzger totaled seven blocks on the night to lead all players.
  • Stella Winterfeld paced the offense with 17 kills on a .317 efficiency.
  • Liv Reitsma and Nyah Potthoff dished out the ball equally, with both posting 16 assists.
  • Reitsma is four assists away from 3,000 for her career.
  • Rylie Franken and Sidney Oostra each had six kills.
Up Next: The Red Raiders will meet No. 6 Bellevue (Neb.) in the NAIA Quarterfinals tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut
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