After a few weeks off due to COVID, the Northwestern women’s volleyball team is back in full force.
The Raiders came back strong their first two games, beating Dakota Wesleyan University in four sets and then sweeping Morningside College in a quick three set game. The Raiders took a tough loss to Dordt University, making it their first loss of the 2020 season.
Despite the defeat, three of the NW Raiders claimed National and GPAC Honors.
Anna Wedel received the GPAC attacker of the week, Lacey Reitz received both NAIA and GPAC setter of the week and Emily Strasser received the honor of GPAC defender of the week.
Not letting the Dordt loss shake them, the Raiders returned to action and defeated both Briar Cliff University and the undefeated Bulldogs of Concordia University in four sets.
The next challenge was if the Raiders could pull off another win against Briar Cliff, but this time on our home court in the Bultman center.
The Raiders played a pretty tight game against Briar Cliff. This was not a big surprise based off the team’s last match against the Chargers. The first set went back and forth with the Raiders in the lead most of the time. They claimed this set 25-22.
The next set was off to a faster start as the Raiders quickly pulled ahead. About halfway through, the Chargers kicked it into gear and narrowed the Raiders’ lead. NW was able to step up to this challenge and put away the last few points needed in order to claim the set.
The third set, the Raiders started out behind and stayed behind by about one or two points for a majority of the set. However, strong hitting presence late in the set helped push the Raiders past the Chargers to claim victory in the Bultman.
The Raider’s excellent offense was led by four players: Makenzie Fink and A.J. Kacmarynski, both with 10 kills; Emily Van Ginkel with nine kills; and Anna Wedel with eight kills.
Lacey Reitz made these kills possible with her contribution of 41 assists. On the defensive side, Strasser led the team with 11 digs.
The Raider’s volleyball team is back in full swing after an unexpected hiatus. 
