KANSAS CITY,  Mo. - The No. 13-ranked Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team topped Kentucky Wesleyan in a three-game sweep to open up the 2023 season.

Northwest won by set scores of 25-12, 25-23 and 25-14. It marks the fifth straight year that the Bearcats have won their season-opening match under head coach Amy Woerth.

Lauren Casey led the way with nine kills, while Abby Brunssen chipped in with seven kills and five blocks. Olivia Dir tallied a team-best nine digs to go along with eight kills. Natalie Laiolo was credited with a team-high 17 assists. Ella Caffery was locked in with six service aces.

Northwest hit .361 for the match. KWC was limited to a .160 hitting percentage. Northwest totaled 37 kills, 24 digs, 16 blocks assists and 12 service aces in the sweep.

Northwest will take on Rockhurst at 6 p.m. later tonight.