Box Score PALATKA, Fla. - A postseason trip to the Sunshine State came to a quick end for the Northwest volleyball program with Friday's 3-0 loss to St. Johns River State.

Northwest, seeded sixth out of seven teams in the FCSAA/NJCAA Division II Gulf District Tournament, battled closely in the first set against the tournament host Vikings, even leading 10-7 at one point. However, St. Johns River was able to rally back to edge the Lady Rangers, 25-22.

St. Johns River kept the momentum going into the second set, jumping out to a sizable 10-3 lead. Northwest trailed the rest of the way and despite fighting back late, the Lady Rangers fell behind 2-0 with the 25-16 second set loss.

With backs to the wall and needing to win the final three sets to keep its season alive, Northwest battled through the third set and swapped several leads and ties with the Vikings. Although the Lady Rangers had set point, St. Johns River fought back to force extra points in the set, ultimately outlasting Northwest for the 27-25 decision.

Northwest finished with 22 kills in the contest, led by six from Micah Swift and five apiece from Kailey Gooch and Jacia Hayes. Hayes also had a team-leading six blocks, while Kayla Beal closed out her career with 12 digs. Lia Ramos also led Northwest with 10 assists, while Cristen Cleveland totaled four service aces.

With the loss, Northwest ended the 2022 season at 15-14 overall as coach Allison Burchyett nabbed her first winning record and first Region 23 title. Through three seasons at the helm, Burchyett's career record now stands at 35-45 overall.