MARYVILLE, Mo. — The No. 2-ranked Washburn Ichabods scored a straight sets win over the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team Saturday at Bearcat Arena.

The Ichabods won by set scores of 25-23, 25-12 and 25-13. Washburn is 21-2 overall and 10-2 in MIAA play. Northwest dropped its third straight to fall to 8-13 overall and 2-10 in MIAA action.

The first set began with Northwest Missouri State establishing early momentum with Natalie Herrington's kill, putting them on the board first. A series of blocks, including a dual effort by Herrington and Kasidy Mohwinkle, extended their lead to 4-1. However, the Ichabods countered with a run, turning the tide and capturing the lead at 6-4 after a series of attack errors from the home team.

Kasidy Mohwinkle and Kate Frakes helped narrow the gap with timely kills, supported by Ella Caffery's assists. Midway through the set, back-to-back service aces from Mohwinkle brought Northwest Missouri State within one point at 11-10. Despite a continued battle to close the deficit, the Ichabods maintained their edge through consistent offensive plays.

With the score tight at 23-22, Maja Noehrer and Gabrielle Gartner contributed crucial kills, but the Ichabods managed to secure the set at 25-23. Northwest Missouri State concluded the period trailing slightly, setting up a competitive continuation in the match.

In the second set, Northwest Missouri State began with a kill by Gabrielle Gartner, set up by Ella Caffery, marking an early lead. However, the Ichabods responded with a series of points, capitalizing on attack errors to shift the momentum. Despite efforts from Kasidy Mohwinkle and Maja Noehrer, the visitors' consistent offensive plays, including multiple service aces, extended their advantage.

Northwest Missouri State managed to interrupt the Ichabods' run with key kills from Natalie Herrington and Gartner, but the visitors maintained their lead through a combination of kills and service aces. The set concluded with the Ichabods ahead, 25-12, as they secured the final point with a service ace.

Northwest Missouri State faced a challenging third set against the Ichabods as they tried to regain momentum. Early exchanges saw both teams capitalize on errors, with a notable service ace from Kasidy Mohwinkle reducing the gap. However, the Ichabods' consistent attacking, led by Natalie Hedlund, extended their advantage.

Despite efforts from Northwest Missouri State, including key contributions from Ella Caffery and Mohwinkle, the Ichabods maintained their lead. The set closed with the visitors capitalizing on errors to secure a 25-13 win, concluding the third set with Northwest Missouri State trailing.

Ella Caffery contributed significantly with 23 assists and 11 digs, showcasing her dual role in setting and defense. Mohwinkle added seven kills and three service aces, leading the team in scoring with 10.5 points. Herrington recorded four kills and a team-high three block assists, impacting both offense and defense. Gartner tallied five kills and one block assist, contributing 5.5 points to the team's effort.

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will travel to face Missouri Southern on Friday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in Joplin, Mo.