Northwest University (NU) spotted Westminster (Utah) a 1-0 set lead, but then rattled off three straight set wins to defeat the Griffins 3-1 (21-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-17), on the final day of the Sports Travel Northwest Invitational at the HUB on Saturday.

Westminster broke out to an early 11-5 lead in set one and led the entire set as they posted a 25-21 win. Northwest came on late in the set, trailing 22-18, they pulled to within three, 24-21, capped off by a Rae Ann Haistings kill, but the Griffins capitalized on two straight NU attack errors to win the set.

The second set was tied eight times before Northwest would take the lead for good at 18-17 and outscored Westminster 4-1 down the stretch for the set win.

It looked as though NU would win easily in the third set as they pulled out to a 12-5 lead in the early going and Hannah Hanson’s kill would make it 16-7, Northwest. But, the Griffins would slowly get themselves back into the set and seven straight kills by WC, including four by Amanda Culpepper, would close the gap to 21-18. Three more Griffin kills, two by Culpepper would tie the set at 21-21. Westminster would take a 24-23 lead, but NU’s Mattie Jo Johnson would tie the score for the final time at 24-all with her kill and two straight attack errors by WC would give the set to NU, 26-24.

A Mattie Jo Johnson kill would help give NU a 14-8 lead in the final set and Arika Zwack’s kill would increase the Eagle lead to 17-9 as NU would cruise to the 25-17 set and match victory.

Rae Ann Haistings led the way for Northwest U (2-3) with 11 kills. Amanda Waterman added 10 kills and 17 digs while Christina Gleb led the team with 20 assists. Morgan Pilon added 18 assists and Leia Roy had a match high 22 digs on top of a match high five service aces.