The Red Raiders lost in the championship game of the GPAC tournament to Morningside, 3-0. Northwestern falls to 27-8 overall while Morningside improves to 33-2 on the season. Both teams will move on and play in the upcoming regional tournament next weekend (Nov. 16-17) at Sioux Falls Christian.
Morningside jumped out to an early 7-1 lead in game one behind the strong serving of setter Kali Angerman. The Red Raiders methodically battled back and were within two points, 26-24, before the Mustangs scored four of the next five points for the win.
It was NWC who took the early lead in game two, 11-6, before the host Mustangs rallied to take a 12-11 lead. They extended the lead to 18-13 and eventually led 29-25 before the Red Raiders scored the next three points to cut the lead down to one. Morningside, however, scored the final point to take a two game lead.
Like game two, the Red Raiders led early in the third game, 12-8, before Morningside rallied to tie the game at 14. The game remained close with neither team able to pull away until the Mustangs scored three straight points to take a 28-26 advantage. Northwestern battled back to cut the lead down to one but Morningside closed the match with a kill to get the 30-28 win.
Northwestern hit .197 for the match compared to .233 for the Mustangs. Bobbie jean Rich led NWC with 13 kills and .273 for the match. Megan Meyer added nine kills and Randa Hulstein recorded eight kills and six blocks. Meyer added a team-best 11 digs. Rachel Gosselink lofted up 37 assists and had one ace serve.
Coach Van Den Bosch's squad will advance to the regional tournament next weekend at Sioux Falls Christian.
2007 media guide
