MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team ended an eight-match skid by hitting a season-high .422 in a 3-0 sweep of the Newman University Jets at Bearcat Arena.

Northwest moved to 7-10 overall and 1-7 in MIAA play, while Newman dropped its 13th straight match to fall to 2-17 overall and 0-9 in league play.

Northwest won by set scores of 25-8, 25-17 and 26-24. 

Northwest Missouri State began the first set with a strong defensive presence, quickly capitalizing on two attack errors by Newman's Isabella Lamb. Abby Bulthuis came off the bench to deliver a kill and a service ace, contributing to building an early 6-1 lead.

Kasidy Mohwinkle and Gabrielle Gartner added to the momentum with kills, while Kate Frakes fired two service aces, pushing the home team's advantage to 13-2. The Bearcats continued to exert pressure with Mohwinkle securing another kill and Ellery Luhring forcing errors from the Jets' offense.

Despite Newman's brief resistance, with Lamb securing a few points, Northwest Missouri State maintained control. Jada Smith and Frakes finalized the set with kills, and an attack error by the Jets sealed a 25-8 triumph in the opening set.

Northwest Missouri State opened the second set with a strategic lineup change, which quickly paid off with an initial advantage. Gartner's block led to an attack error by Hannah Tymitz, contributing to a 4-2 lead for the Bearcats. Despite a brief back-and-forth, including service aces from Brooklyn Lane of the Jets, Northwest maintained momentum with key kills from Natalie Herrington and Smith, keeping a slight edge.

As the set progressed, Northwest Missouri State capitalized on Newman's errors, including a service error by Lamb, which allowed them to extend their lead. Mohwinkle and Ella Caffery delivered consecutive kills, pushing the score to 18-12. Caffery's performance was just one kill shy of her season-high, and her consistent play set up numerous scoring opportunities, allowing Northwest Missouri State to maintain the lead and close the set 25-17.

Northwest Missouri State opened the third set with a balanced attack, as Caffery and Mohwinkle combined for early kills to maintain a tight scoreline. The team capitalized on a series of attack errors by Newman and further extended their lead with contributions from Gartner and Herrington, pushing the advantage to 10-5.

Midway through the set, the Jets responded with a sustained run, closing the gap and eventually tying the score at 13-13. Despite this pressure, the Bearcats regained composure with key kills from Caffery and Bulthuis, briefly holding a narrow lead.

In a tense closing sequence, Mohwinkle and Caffery delivered decisive points, including a critical block by Herrington and Caffery, to fend off the Jets' rally. Newman held a 21-16 lead late in the third set. However, Northwest Missouri State ultimately secured the set 26-24, concluding the match with a kill from Bulthuis.

Caffery led her team with 34 assists, contributing significantly to the offensive setup. Mohwinkle recorded 13 kills and added eight digs, making her a dual threat on both offense and defense. Frakes delivered three service aces and one block, contributing to the team's point tally. Herrington posted 10 kills with an impressive hitting percentage of .692, showcasing her efficiency at the net. Additionally, Karsen VanScoy reached double figures in digs for the 17th time this season, recording 12 digs in the match.

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will take on Pittsburg State tomorrow at home in Bearcat Arena. The match is set for 6 p.m. Individuals purchasing tickets to the football game at 1:30 p.m. will receive free admission to the volleyball match vs. the Gorillas.