BOX SCORE (PDF)

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - The Northwest Missouri State volleyball squad posted its fifth straight win to start the 2018 season with a 3-0 victory over William Jewell at the Rockhurst Classic. Northwest won by set scores of 25-18, 25-15, 25-23.

Northwest (5-0 overall) was led Sofia Schleppenbach's 11 kills and two service aces as the Bearcats down William Jewell (1-4 overall).

The Bearcats got it rolling in the second set with a .333 hitting percentage and a 76-percent sideout effort against the Cardinals. Northwest had 15 kills in the second set to go against only two attack errors.

Maddy Ahrens recorded a match-high 31 assists to go along with nine digs, an ace and a kill. Bethany Elkins provided a boost with six kills (.667) and five blocks. Hallie Sidney contributed with seven kills, four digs, four blocks and an ace.

Northwest posted eight service aces in the match. The Bearcats came into the match ranked No. 4 in the nation in service aces per set.

Northwest will be back in action Friday night at 5:30 p.m. against Colorado Mesa.