Dec. 2, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The higher seeds held in pool C play on opening day at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship.   Third seeded Concordia (Calif.) University swept Walsh (Ohio) University 3-0 and No. 10 Northwestern (Iowa) University defeated Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University in straight sets. 

The Eagles from Concordia had no trouble with their opponent, overpowering them by scores of 25-13, 25-18 and 25-18.  Concordia was led by Stephanie Scheele’s 12 kills.  Jenna Friedrich and Vanessa Perry combined for 37 assists.  Natalie Borland and Megan McDonald each logged eight kills in the loss for Walsh. 

Northwestern had a scare in the third game, but was able to pull off the sweep by scores of 25-17, 25-23 and 26-24.  Hillary Hanno notched a team high 17 kills in 40 attempts for Northwestern.  Randa Hulstein had 10 kills and 12 digs, while Kaitlin Beaver chipped in 40 assists.  Stephanie Smith finished with nine kills and 13 digs for the Tigers of Olivet.