Nov. 30, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Northwestern (Iowa) defeated Columbia (Mo.), 3-2 (28-30, 30-24, 27-30, 31-29 and 15-13), in the first round match to advance to the quarterfinals at the 2007 NAIA Volleyball National Championship.  The Red Raiders will face No. 2 California Baptist at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Down two games to one, Northwestern rallied to take game four and five for the victory.  In game four the Red Raiders erased two Columbia College match points and scored four straight to force game five.  Down 13-10 in game-five, Northwestern once again rallied with five straight points to seal the win.  Randa Hulstein led the Red Raiders with 20 kills while Kaitlin Beaver added 16 and Bobbie Jean Rich recorded 12.  Rachel Gosselink had a team-high 54 assists and 14 digs.

Columbia had four players in double figures in kills led by Daniela Brazolina (22).  Maria Omondi had 15 while Yi Zhang-Li added 13 and Juliana Quadrado chipped in 12.  Luana Branco assisted on 66 kills for the Cougars.  Columbia will end its season with a 31-10 overall record.