LEBANON, Ill. - The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad collected a 3-0 sweep of the Maryville Saints in the season opener for both squads at the McKendree Invitational.
The Bearcats won by set scores of 25-22, 25-23 and 25-17.
Gabrielle Gartner put up a team-best 15 kills, one off her career high.
Mya Karrick notched a double-double with 32 assists and 14 digs.
Northwest recorded 43 kills on the night, maintaining a .212 hitting percentage, while limiting the Saints to a .129 hitting percentage.
Northwest Missouri State opened the first set with a strategic service ace from
Mya Karrick, establishing an early lead. The team maintained momentum through consistent plays, including a kill by
Gabrielle Gartner assisted by
Ellery Luhring, and a subsequent service ace by
Lily Zimmerman. Despite some back-and-forth scoring, Northwest capitalized on the Saints' attack errors and maintained a slim lead throughout the set.
Mid-set, Northwest extended its advantage with a series of effective kills from Gartner and
Maddie Roenfeld, pushing the score to 16-11. The set saw multiple contributions from Karrick, who facilitated attacks and recorded crucial assists. In the closing stages, despite the Saints' attempts to close the gap, Northwest secured the set 25-22 with a decisive kill by Karrick, closing the set on a strong note.
The second set saw Northwest secure a narrow victory through pivotal plays and consistent scoring. Early exchanges were marked by back-and-forth scoring, with kills from
Chloee Hayes and Gartner keeping Northwest level with the Saints. A mid-set run saw Northwest capitalize on attack errors and key kills from Gartner and Roenfeld to open a slight lead.
Maryville responded with a series of points to tie the score at 23-23, fueled by kills from Leslie Longanbach and a service ace. However, Northwest regained control as Gartner delivered a critical kill to edge ahead and then clinched the set with a block by Gartner on Natalie Frazier's attack. The set concluded with Northwest taking it 25-23.
In the third set, Northwest surged ahead with a series of impactful plays. Gartner opened scoring with a kill assisted by Hayes, setting the tone for a strong start. Aided by Karrick's precise setting, Gartner continued to capitalize, contributing to a 5-2 lead. A block by
Jada Smith further solidified Northwest's control.
Maryville attempted to respond, but Northwest's defense held firm, with Smith and Hayes combining for a decisive block to close the set. Consistent pressure and a balanced offensive approach enabled Northwest to extend its advantage, ultimately closing the set at 25-17.
Gartner recorded 15 kills with a .433 hitting percentage and contributed two total blocks, finishing with 16.5 points. Karrick facilitated the offense with 32 assists and added 14 digs to her performance. Roenfeld was efficient at the net, tallying eight kills with a .583 hitting percentage and three total blocks. Zimmerman contributed from the service line with three aces and also collected 12 digs.
Up next for Northwest is a neutral-site matchup against Ouachita Baptist. The contest is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. in Lebanon, Ill., at the McKendree Invitational.
