Cardinals Shake Off Slow Start to Defeat Bellevue 3-1 in NWAC Quarterfinals

LAKEWOOD, Wash. - The North Idaho Cardinals volleyball team overcame a first-set loss to defeat Bellevue 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the NWAC Volleyball Championship on Friday afternoon at Pierce College.

After dropping the first set 25-22, the Cardinals were able to win a close second set 25-23 that shifted the momentum in their favor. NIC was able to captialize and win the next two sets in dominant fashion by matching 25-14 scores.

The Cardinals got their hitters rolling after the first set as Rachael Stacey led the team with 16 kills, adding 11 digs. Abigail Beaton recorded 13 kills and Rylee Hartwig had 11. Setter Karolyne Wolfgramm orchestrated the offense to the tune of 47 assists, adding 10 digs. On the defensive end, Omayra Valle had 28 digs and Morgan Claus finished with 19. Despite eight service errors for NIC, they were able to nearly get that total back with their tough serves, posting seven aces to Bellevue's two.

The Bulldogs were not able to get in a rhythm offensive after the first set, hitting .081 for the match. Emma Heywood led the team with seven kills. Lauren Wittmers had 17 assists and 13 digs. Olivia Deckard posted 21 digs. The Bulldogs were effective on the block, posting six blocks to North Idaho's two. 

The Cardinals move onto the semifinals for the second year in a row and will take on East region rival Yakima Valley in the first match on Saturday at 2 p.m.

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