Northwestern College downed Morningside in four sets (19-25, 25-16, 25-14, 25-16) in a conference match played tonight at the Bultman Center. The Raiders sweep the season series against the Mustangs and improve to 12-2 in the GPAC, 14-2 overall.
A.J. Kacmarynski matched her season high with 16 kills and Anna Wedel put away 16 kills to go with a season-high 20 digs to lead the Raiders. Lacey Reitz put up 47 assists and served a season-best three aces to go with 11 digs.
Northwestern hit .269 for the match, compared to .161 by the Mustangs. Head Coach Kyle Van Den Bosch’s squad also had the edge in blocks (8-6) and ace serves (10-1); the 10 aces is a season best for the Raiders.
Set One: 25-19 loss
After trading points early, Morningside pulled away with an 8-2 run midway through the set. The Mustangs held a commanding advantage in kill efficiency (48% – 18%) and blocks (2-0).
Set Two: 25-16 win
Holding a one-point lead (12-11), Northwestern outscored the Mustangs 4-1 to take a 16-12 lead. A kill from Kacmarynski put Northwestern in front 19-14 and the hosts closed with a 6-2 run, getting kills from Wedel (2), Reitz, Macay Van’t Hul and Emily Van Ginkel.
Set Three: 25-14 win
Tied at 10, Northwestern began a 9-0 run, spearheaded by the serving of Taylor Meyer, to take control of the third set. Meyer had four aces, matching her career-high, during the decisive run. Northwestern held the Mustangs offense to a 0% (10 kills, 10 errors in 37 attempts).
Set Four: 25-16 win
The Raiders led from start to finish in a final set where they hit .429 compared to 10% by the Mustangs. Northwestern raced out to a 9-4 lead and closed strong as well, outscoring the Mustangs 10-5.
Emily Strasser totaled 19 digs, her 15th match of the season in double figures.
Meredith Hoffman led Morningside with 12 kills, one of two players in double figures. Caitlin Mackovicka added 10 kills and Sabrina Creason put up 37 assists.
