Your Red Raider volleyball team stepped on the court last Wednesday, October 6 for their game against Briar Cliff. After 3 matches, the Raiders emerged victorious, taking down the Chargers, making the Raider record move to 12-5 on the season.
This was the Raiders second time competing against Briar Cliff, and they dominated every aspect of the match finding their rhythm, not allowing the Chargers to even get to the 20-point mark. Throughout the game, Northwestern had an amazing defensive and offensive fight. Their passes and serves were especially noticeable, which meant that junior setter Jadeyn Schutt could easily set her hitters. Senior Bekah Horstman and freshman Alysen Dexter both had 12 kills on the night, and junior Olivia Shaub tallied nine kills for the night.
Senior Natalie Engebretson says, “We took control early, which was important. After gaining that control, we continued to play hard and not just go through the motions”.
In the first match, BCU took the lead with 7-5, but the Raiders went on a 5-0 steal to get the momentum working in our favor. NW was able to put the Chargers away in the first set 25-17. The second set the Raiders were dominate the entire time, holding the lead until the end with the finishing score 25-14. And with the closing set, BCU would claim the first three points to attempt to repeat the teams August 28 match by taking a single set from NW. The Raiders would have none of that, with the score at 9-8 the Raiders went on a 16-4 run to finish the set at 25-12, to complete the game and take the win against the Chargers.
The Raiders were led defensively by senior Emily Strasser with 13 digs, senior Natalie Engebretson with 10 digs, and Dexter with 7 digs. In total, there were eight aces on the night, seven blocks, and forty assists.
Many think the renovations to the Bultman help keep the motivation up. Schutt said, “The lighting is much better now, and it brings some great Raider vibes to the community.”
This is indeed true, as the Bultman was home to both students, parents, faculty members and community members alike. As of Wednesday morning, NW volleyball moved up to No. 14 in the coach’s poll.
The Raiders fell to Midland last Saturday, October 9, in three sets (25-27, 17-25, 18-25). This weekend, NW has two games coming up. On Friday, October 11, they will play the No.11 College of Saint Mary, Flames, with a first serve at 7:30 p.m. The next day, October 12, the Raiders will take on the Mount Marty, Lancers in the Bultman at 3 p.m. 
