The Red Raiders lost to Dordt College, 3-1, in the first match at the 2007 NAIA Regional Tournament, hosted by Sioux Falls Christian High School. Northwestern, the fourth seed in the six-team field, will next play number one seed Dickinson State at approximately 5:00 pm. The Red Raiders will need to defeat the Blue Hawks and hope that Dordt loses to Dickinson State at the 1:00 pm match to have a chance at moving on to the championship match.
Northwestern came out strong in game one as they defeated the Defenders, 30-20, behind eight kills by senior Megan Meyer. The Red Raiders were rolling in game two, leading 18-11, before a furious Dordt comeback put the Defenders in the win column, 30-27. Dordt continued with their momentum in game three, as they led start to finish, winning by the score of 30-23. Both teams came out firing in game four as both teams held the lead at different points during the contest. Dordt, however, went on a late run to win the fourth and decisive game, 30-25.
The Red Raiders were led by Megan Meyer with 28 kills as the senior hit .304 for the match. Hillary Hanno put down 12 kills and hit .296 while Kaitlin Beaver added 10. Rachel Gosselink lofted up 58 assists in the four games. Randa Hulstein led NWC with seven blocks to go with eight kills. Janna Bloemendaal led the Raider backline with 31 digs while Beaver added 25.
Northwestern drops to 27-9 on the season and will play top-seed Dickinson State at approximately 5:00 pm.
2007 media guide
