FAIRFIELD, Ill. - Fall Break turned out to be a busy weekend for the Northwest volleyball team, capped off by a 3-2 loss at Frontier Community College and a 3-2 thriller against East Central College (Mo.) on Monday afternoon.

Counting the Lady Rangers' homestand last Friday and Saturday, Northwest went 3-2 over the extended weekend, improving the team's overall record to 12-13. 

Northwest will close out the regular season on Friday, October 21 against Itawamba and Henderson State at 2 P.M. and 6 P.M. from Howard Coliseum. The match against Itawamba is setting up to be a crucial one for both teams in determining who will host the Region 23 Play-In matches, while the Henderson State contest will serve as Sophomore Night.

Both matches will be carried on Ranger TV (nwccrangers.com/watch) and Facebook Live.


Frontier 3, Northwest 2
(Set scores: 19-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 11-15)

Just days after facing Frontier in Senatobia, the Lady Rangers traveled north to square off against the Lady Bobcats, with Frontier gaining the upper hand this time.

Micah Swift led Northwest with 14 kills, followed by nine from Jacia Hayes, who also added four total blocks. Sophomore Lia Ramos finished with a team-high 21 assists, 15 digs and five service aces, while Kayla Beal led the Lady Rangers with 26 digs and six aces. 

Additionally, freshman Hailey Stephens provided 14 assists and 11 digs, recording 10 or more assists for only the second time this season. 


Northwest 3, East Central (Mo.) 2
(Set scores: 25-22, 19-25, 25-17, 17-25, 16-14)

Trailing 10-4 in the fifth and final set, Northwest sparked an unbelievable rally, coming from behind to edge East Central College and earn the tight 3-2 match victory.

Caroline Howard helped dig the Lady Rangers out of the hole in the final set, serving as Northwest clawed back within striking distance. 

Three players finished with 10 or more kills, led by 15 from Swift, 13 from Kennedy Smith and 12 from Kaley Rikard. Swift also totaled five blocks, while Kailey Gooch led the Lady Rangers with six.

Ramos totaled 27 assists and 10 digs in the winning effort, followed by 16 assists and 12 digs from Brinley Steed. Beal posted 21 digs and five service aces, leading the team in both categories. Read Full Article