La Grande Ore. – In an exciting match at Quinn Coliseum, the Eastern Oregon Mounties got their redemption with a 3-0 triumph against Northwest. The Eagles are the only team to have beaten the Mounties this season, and they battled once again to set scores of 25-21, 25-19, and 25-15. The Mounties lifted their season record to an impressive 21-1 and marking a standout 14-1 within the Cascade Collegiate Conference. On the flip side, the Eagles now stand at 13-7 overall, with a 10-5 record in the CCC.
The first set saw Eastern Oregon establish an early lead, featuring a hit percentage of .289 and managing 16 kills against Northwest’s 15. The second set witnessed the Eagles post a -.029 hitting percentage due the Mountaineers defensive efforts. The third set underscored the Mounties’ supremacy, with a stellar .462 hit percentage, securing a straight set sweep and erasing memories of their earlier defeat this season.
Key players like Sade Williams and Mylie Mills from Eastern Oregon shone brightly, with Williams recording 12 kills and a .345 hit percentage, while Mills contributed a formidable .600 hit percentage alongside 9 kills. Hannah Ledgerwood, with her 22 assists and a service ace, and Hailey Arritola, with 16 digs and 2 service aces, further fortified the team’s performance. Karste Wright fought hard with 8 kills and 2 blocks for Northwest, while Kelsey Moore contributing 19 digs, and Kylie Lunday chipped in with 6 kills and 4 blocks.
Eastern Oregon fortified their victory with superior net defense, contributing 22 blocks compared to Northwest’s 14. The Mounties’ substantial .245 hitting percentage decisively outshone the Eagles’ .053, creating a pivotal difference. The Eagles, though struggling in their attack with 24 errors, demonstrated their defensive capabilities with a total of 48 digs, slightly edging out the Mounties’ 46.
EOU will return to action Tuesday evening when the face the College of Idaho at Quinn Coliseum.