Reardan spikers fall to NWC

REARDAN - After winning two of their previous three matches, the Screaming Eagles volleyball team lost in straight sets to Northwest Christian 25-9, 25-17, 25-15 Thursday, Sept. 28.

Reardan freshman Emersen Sprecher scored the game's first point when her kill shot caught the Crusaders flat-footed. The Screaming Eagles took a 4-3 lead before NWC reeled off 11 straight points to take a 15-4 lead.

After Reardan scored a point, NWC scored five more to lead 21-6. NWC won the first set 25-9.

With Amelia Ray serving to start the second set, Reardan opened up a 3-0 lead. The Screaming Eagles maintained their advantage at 10-8 before NWC went on a seven-point run to jump ahead 15-10.

Down the stretch, Lillie Whitman served two aces and Sprecher added four kills, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Crusaders who won the set 25-17.

In the final set, Kelsey Koch scored two kills and Kaylynn Clouse notched an ace and six assists, but the Crusaders' front row attackers overpowered the Screaming Eagles on their way to the 25-15 win.

"It was a tough loss tonight," Reardan assistant coach Mike Lyon said. "We lost points almost every way you can lose points. We need to make sure we have better touches on the ball. Our ball control and execution needs to improve as we move forward."

Defensively, Whitman led her team with 13 digs. Clouse and Ray recorded six and five assists, respectively.

Sprecher scored on seven kills and had two blocks, two aces and five digs.

Aidan Ainsworth led NWC with eight kills and Charissa Carey had 11 assists.

The Screaming Eagles were much more successful on the road at Kettle Falls Monday, Oct. 2, earning a straight-sets victory 26-24, 25-10, 25-10 to improve to 3-6.

Reardan's next home game will be against Liberty at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5.