NWC Tops Dawson in Region IX Opener
The Northwest College Trapper volleyball team moved to 5-7 on the season by winning two of its three matches over the weekend. The Trapper women downed Dawson and Dakota-Bottineau in straight sets, but fell to Sheridan.
The Trappers are 1-1 in Region IX play as a result. Things began simply enough for the Trappers on Friday. Northwest rolled by Dawson in their Region IX North contest by a 25-16, 25-18, 25-15 final count.
Danielle Schaal finished with nine kills in the contest and led the team with an eye-popping .529 attacking percentage. Marina Leal added seven kills and six blocks while Olivia Rogers had five kills in support at the net.
Katie Burnett served up four of the Trappers’ nine ace serves against Dawson and also produced a team-best 14 digs along the back row. Leah Schaal finished with 24 assists.
Against Bottineau, the Trappers continued to cruise. The team captured a 25-17, 25-19, 25-18 victory.
Danielle Schaal and Cailey Washington each produced nine kills to pace the Northwest attack. Becky Downs added seven kills.
The Trappers continued to be a difficult team to handle off the serve in the game. The team finished with 11 points off ace serves, led by Washington and Brecka Carrizales with three each. Leah Schaal again led the way with 27 assists.
Heading into Saturday at rival Sheridan College, it appeared as though Northwest would continue its one-sided weekend of dominance. The team easily captured the first set by a 25-16 margin, but then failed to rise back to that level as Sheridan posted wins of 25- 21, 25-21, 25-22 to achieve the victory.
Helped in part by that win, the Generals received mention in this week’s NJCAA top 25 volleyball poll.
Olivia Rogers produced nine kills to lead the team. Danielle Schaal added eight kills while three other Trappers finished with seven in a well-balanced net attack. Leah added a 12-block performance at the net with one solo and 11 assisted blocks.
Leah Schaal had 33 assists and Burnett had 21 digs for Northwest.
After almost a month on the road, the Trappers finally get to make their 2011 home debut this Friday night when Northwest College hosts Laramie County in a Region IX North contest. First serve in Cabre Gymnasium will be at 7 p.m.
The Trapper women also play at home on Saturday as they square off against Eastern Wyoming in a 3 p.m. game. Those games will serve as Northwest’s tune-up before traveling to the Wyo-Braska tournament the following week.