LA GRANDE, Ore. – The No. 2-ranked Eastern Oregon Mountaineers made a statement in their home opener, sweeping Northwest University 3-0 Friday night at Quinn Coliseum. The Mountaineers improved to 10-1 overall and 2-1 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play, while the Eagles dropped to 5-6 overall and 0-3 in conference action.
EOU dominated the first set with a commanding 25-10 win, establishing early control and holding Northwest to a -.233 hitting percentage. Though the Eagles put up a stronger fight in the second, EOU held firm to win 25-22 before sealing the match 25-19 in the third.
The Mountaineers were led by Kiauna Mack, who tallied 9 kills and 8 blocks while hitting .438. Keira Vaughn added 11 kills on a .375 hitting percentage and contributed two blocks, while Ashton Bales chipped in 4 kills and 4 blocks. As a team, Eastern Oregon hit .253, racking up 37 kills and 20 blocks across the three sets.
Libero Hailey Arritola anchored the Mounties' defense with 9 digs, while setters Alexis McMurtrey and Hannah Ledgerwood combined for 31 assists and 12 digs. McMurtrey also added 2 service aces.
Northwest struggled offensively, hitting just -.020 as a team with 28 errors. Reece Denney led the Eagles with 9 kills, while Aubree Dees added 6 kills. The Eagles were unable to match Eastern Oregon's defensive pressure, finishing without a block and committing 28 attack errors.
Match Stats:
- EOU (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 37-13-95 (.253)
- Northwest (Kills-Errors-Attempts): 26-28-100 (-.020)
- EOU Leaders: Kiauna Mack (9 kills, 8 blocks), Keira Vaughn (11 kills, 2 blocks), Hailey Arritola (9 digs), Alexis McMurtrey (16 assists, 2 aces)
- Northwest Leaders: Reece Denney (9 kills), Aubree Dees (6 kills)
Eastern Oregon will look to carry the momentum into their next CCC matchup against Evergreen State tomorrow night at Quinn Coliseum, with action set to start at 4:00 p.m.
