KIRKLAND, Wash. – The No. 4-ranked Eastern Oregon University volleyball team pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory over Northwest University on Saturday night at the Kristi Brodin Pavilion. With the win, the Mountaineers improved to 24-2 overall and 16-2 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, while the Eagles fell to 12-14 and 7-11 in the CCC.
Eastern Oregon battled back after dropping the opening set 23-25, responding by winning the next two sets, edging Northwest 25-20 and 25-23, before the Eagles forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-21 win in the fourth. In the final frame, EOU secured the match with a 15-11 victory, highlighted by key plays at the net.
Keira Vaughn led the Mountaineers' offense with a team-high 16 kills, while Madison Morgan added 11 kills on a .429 hitting percentage and played a critical role in the fifth set. Ashton Bales contributed 10 kills and five block assists, and Kiauna Mack chipped in with eight kills. The balanced team effort was key for EOU, who hit .118 as a team but capitalized on strong defense and timely scoring.
Eastern Oregon's defense was anchored by libero Hailey Arritola, who collected 20 digs, while setters Alexis McMurtrey and Hannah Ledgerwood combined for 44 assists. McMurtrey also contributed with 15 digs, helping the Mounties maintain their composure through the back-and-forth contest.
For Northwest, Azaria Johnson led all players with 17 kills, hitting .448, and added three blocks. Aubree Dees provided a spark for the Eagles with 10 kills, but the team struggled to sustain their attack, finishing with a .093 hitting percentage.
Match Stats:
- Eastern Oregon (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 55-33-186 (.118)
- Northwest (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 57-39-193 (.093)
- Eastern Oregon Leaders: Keira Vaughn (16 kills), Madison Morgan (11 kills, .429 hitting percentage), Hailey Arritola (20 digs), Alexis McMurtrey (26 assists)
- Northwest Leaders: Azaria Johnson (17 kills, .448 hitting percentage), Aubree Dees (10 kills), Morgan Harter (44 assists)
The Mountaineers will travel to College of Idaho on Tuesday, facing off against the Yotes at 7:00 p.m. on October 29th.