Seawolf volleyball defeats Nighthawks in front of over 3,000 fans

After losing the first set, the Seawolves rallied together to defeat the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks.

Seawolves celebrate a point over the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks. Photo courtesy of GoSeawolves.com.

Seawolf Volleyball hosted a “Pack the House” game on Oct. 14 against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks with hopes of breaking the NCAA Division II attendance record set by the University of Nebraska at Kearney this September.

Although they failed to top the 4,003 fans Nebraska packed into their sports complex, the Seawolves didn’t walk away from the night empty handed.

The Seawolves were able to draw an impressive 3,280 fans and grab a 3-1 victory over the Nighthawks.

The Seawolves got off to a rocky start when the Nighthawks came back from a 21-17 deficit and won the first frame. However, strong gameplay in the next three frames helped secure a UAA victory.

In the second frame, the teams had an intense battle, tying the game six times. The Seawolves then gained a lead that the Nighthawks could not overcome, winning the frame 25-21.

Though they led 6-3 in the third frame, multiple errors by the Seawolves allowed the Nighthawks to take the lead – although UAA eventually took it back.

It was a tight battle to 25, with UAA winning the frame by only two points. The Seawolves now led the game 2-1 and needed to win just one more frame to take the game.

UAA dominated the fourth frame, quickly taking a 9-1 lead over the Nighthawks.

The Seawolves never let the visitors get within five points of their lead, and they won the final frame 25-16.

In a press release for GoSeawolves.com, head coach Stacie Meisner said, “We had a tough loss in the first set, however, I think the crowd really helped us get back on track and keep our energy at a high level throughout.”

"Our defense really stepped up in the final three sets, extending some long rallies that we eventually won.”

The Seawolves return to the Alaska Airlines Center on Oct. 19 where they’ll take on the Simon Fraser Red Leafs at 7 p.m.

Head to GoSeawolves.com to see the UAA volleyball team’s full schedule.