TOPEKA, Kan. — No. 7-ranked Washburn (12-0, 1-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate) maintained its perfect start with a four-set victory over Northwest Missouri State (6-4, 0-1 Mid-America Intercollegiate) in volleyball Friday at Whiting Auditorium. 

It was the MIAA opener for both teams. Washburn claimed the match with set scores of 25-11, 23-25, 25-16, 25-15. The home team delivered a strong attacking performance with 63 kills and a .329 hitting percentage.

Northwest Missouri State began the first set with a service opportunity but quickly found themselves down as Washburn claimed the first three points, including a service ace. Despite the early setback, the Bearcats responded with a service ace from Abby Bulthuis to narrow the gap to 3-2. Key contributions came from Ella Caffery, who set up multiple successful kills, including one by Kasidy Mohwinkle that brought the score to 9-5.

Throughout the set, the Bearcats faced challenges from Washburn's defense, with multiple blocks and kills, including a series by Natalie Hedlund that extended Washburn's lead. Despite a late kill by Natalie Herrington set up by Caffery, Northwest trailed, closing the set with a score of 25-11 in favor of Washburn.

Northwest Missouri State began the second set with a strong offensive push, as Mohwinkle delivered multiple kills, supported by Caffery's precise setting. A service ace from Ella Gunderson contributed to an early 4-1 lead. Washburn answered back, reaching a 6-5 lead through a series of attacks, but Mohwinkle's continued efficacy in offense helped Northwest regain control.

The visitors maintained momentum with a crucial 7-0 run, capitalizing on Washburn's errors and extending their lead to 15-11. Despite Washburn's efforts to close the gap, Northwest's defense, led by blocks from Herrington and Mohwinkle, secured key points. A late attack error by Washburn handed Northwest a 25-23 victory in the set, showing resilience under pressure.

The third set began with Northwest Missouri State capitalizing on an attack error by Washburn's Austin Broadie, gaining an early point. Mohwinkle and Bulthuis then contributed kills to keep the visitors competitive, but Washburn managed to extend their lead through consistent offensive pressure.

Northwest's Maja Noehrer provided a spark with a couple of timely kills, and Caffery added a service ace, narrowing the gap to 15-12. Despite these efforts, Washburn sustained their momentum, closing the set on a run with key kills from Alex Dvorak and Hedlund. The set concluded with Washburn securing a 25-16 victory.

In the fourth set, Northwest Missouri State began with a tight exchange of points against Washburn, with Noehrer's kill assisted by Caffery closing the gap to 3-2 early on. The Bearcats continued to apply pressure, with Caffery and Mohwinkle each contributing key points to keep the score tied at various intervals, including 5-5 and 9-9.

Despite the consistent efforts from the Bearcats, highlighted by Bulthuis and Kate Frakes combining for a block to halt Washburn's advance at 16-12, Washburn managed to regain control. They pulled away with a series of kills and service aces, extending their lead. Ultimately, Washburn closed the set on a decisive run to secure a 25-15 set victory, concluding the match.

Caffery led the Bearcats with 30 assists and added 11 digs, contributing significantly to the team's playmaking efforts. Mohwinkle recorded 14 kills and three blocks, amassing a team-high 15.5 points. Bulthuis contributed six kills and two blocks, finishing with eight points. Karsen VanScoy bolstered the defense with 13 digs, aiding in the team's defensive effort.

Northwest will travel to Emporia, Kan., for a 7 p.m. Saturday matchup with the Emporia State Hornets.