LEBANON, Ill. — The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad scored a five-set triumph Friday afternoon over Ouachita Baptist University at the McKendree Invitational.
Northwest moved to 2-0 on the season with the 25-19, 17-25, 25-14, 19-25 and 15-9 victory.
Northwest Missouri State initiated the first set with an immediate impact, as
Mya Karrick delivered a service ace to start the scoring. After an early exchange of points, the Bearcats launched into a significant run, fueled by multiple kills from
Chloee Hayes and
Jada Smith. This offensive surge created an 8-3 lead, further extended by defensive plays, including a block by Hayes and
Gabrielle Gartner.
Ouachita Baptist attempted to close the gap, but the Bearcats maintained their advantage through consistent scoring contributions, particularly from Gabrielle and
Sophia Gartner. The set continued with the Bearcats capitalizing on errors and producing timely kills, leading to a 25-19 victory in the first set, setting a strong tone for the match.
Northwest Missouri State began the second set with a strong start, highlighted by a kill from
Sophia Gartner assisted by Karrick, putting the first point on the board. Hayes and Smith contributed effectively, each securing points through kills, while Karrick's service ace helped to keep the scores competitive. Despite these efforts, Ouachita Baptist capitalized on errors and had a successful offensive run, extending its lead with consistent scoring.
The set concluded with the Bearcats trailing, as Ouachita Baptist closed the set 25-17. Despite the setback, the Bearcats showed resilience with key plays that kept the contest close for significant stretches.
In the third set, Northwest Mo. St. capitalized on strong serves and effective offensive plays to gain momentum. Karrick's service ace launched the set, giving the team an early lead, complemented by
Abby Bulthuis's kill. Despite a brief rally from Ouachita Baptist, Northwest Mo. St. regained control with
Lauren Schnettler's service ace and successive kills from Smith, which extended the lead.
The team maintained pressure with key contributions from
Maddie Roenfeld and
Gabrielle Gartner, who both recorded pivotal kills. Karrick further contributed with another service ace and a well-timed kill, pushing the score advantage. The set concluded with a decisive block by Roenfeld and Smith, securing a 25-14 victory and extending Northwest Mo. St.'s lead.
Northwest Missouri State began the fourth set with a strong start, securing the first three points through kills by Karrick and capitalizing on an attack error from Ouachita Baptist. The set saw a back-and-forth battle, with the Bearcats maintaining a slim lead early on, highlighted by a kill from Gartner and another from Smith.
Midway through the set, Ouachita Baptist gained momentum, overtaking the lead at 8-7 and extending it through service aces and effective attacks. Despite efforts by the Bearcats to close the gap with kills from Bulthuis and Roenfeld, Ouachita Baptist maintained its advantage.
The set concluded with the Bearcats fighting back, narrowing the deficit with consecutive points from Bulthuis. However, Ouachita Baptist ultimately closed out the set with a 25-19 victory, securing the set.
Northwest Missouri State began the fifth set with a steady offense, responding to an early point by Ouachita Baptist with a kill by Bulthuis, assisted by Karrick. A service ace by the Bearcats followed, putting them ahead 2-1. Although Ouachita Baptist briefly tied the score, the Bearcats reclaimed the lead with a kill from Hayes, assisted by Karrick, pushing the score to 5-4.
The Bearcats maintained their momentum, expanding their lead with key contributions from Smith, who delivered two kills, and Karrick, who added another. The team capitalized on an attack error by Sophie Henry to stretch the margin to 12-7. Despite a brief scoring push from Ouachita Baptist, the Bearcats capitalized on errors from their opponent, including a bad set by Mack Bidwell, to clinch the set 15-9.
Karrick contributed significantly with 51 assists, 15 digs, and five service aces, demonstrating her all-around game impact. Smith led the team in scoring, posting 19.5 points, while also adding a career-high 16 kills and 12 digs to her performance.
Ellery Luhring excelled defensively by collecting 31 digs to set a new career high. Gartner added to the offensive effort with 10 kills and two blocks, finishing with 11 points.
Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State take on tourney host McKendree later tonight at 7 p.m.
