DUBUQUE, Iowa — Indiana University Northwest volleyball suffered a pair of three-set losses Saturday on the second day of the Clarke Pride Tournament, falling to York (Neb.) 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23) early in the afternoon before dropping a 3-0 decision to Waldorf (Iowa) (25-15, 25-17, 25-16) later in the day.
Game 1: York 3, IU Northwest 0
The RedHawks (2-3) showed determination in their opener against York, pushing each set to tight margins despite the sweep. Sophomore outside hitter Kaelan Murphy led the offense with 14 kills on 37 attempts, while freshman setter Raniyah Preston distributed 22 assists and added five kills.
The first set epitomized the match's competitive nature. After trailing 16-11, IU Northwest mounted a comeback behind Preston's serving, including a key ace during a 6-0 run to even the score at 17. The RedHawks pushed ahead 19-17 and 22-21 before York rallied. With the set tied at 23, York capitalized on a RedHawk error to take the frame 25-23.
In the second, Murphy's powerful swings and Preston's distribution kept IUN within reach, but York's balanced attack pulled away late for a 25-19 win.
The RedHawks battled again in the third, trimming a 14-9 deficit to 20-17 on kills from Murphy and Gabi Lilovich. York closed strong, however, with a timely ace from Elena Brown to seal the match 25-23.
Game 2: Waldorf 3, IU Northwest 0
The afternoon match against Waldorf proved more difficult, as IU Northwest struggled to find offensive rhythm. Murphy paced the RedHawks with eight kills, while the team finished with 27 overall.
Waldorf controlled the opener from the start, building a 12-5 lead. A Preston ace and kills from Lilovich briefly cut into the deficit, but the Warriors' blocking presence, led by Peyton Klooster and Sydney Kidd, proved decisive in a 25-15 result.
The second set mirrored the first, with Waldorf's offense setting the tone. IU Northwest showed late fight on kills from Baileigh Uporsky and Murphy to close within 21-17, but Waldorf responded with four straight points to win 25-17.
In the third, strong serving from Gianna Sifuentes fueled a 10-2 Waldorf start. Despite rallies that included kills from Uporsky and Trinitie Lintner, IU Northwest couldn't sustain momentum, falling 25-16 as Waldorf completed the sweep.
The RedHawks (2-4) look to rebound next weekend at the Showdown in the Woods, hosted by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. IUN faces Boyce College at 1 p.m. followed by a 5 p.m. matchup against Culver-Stockton (Mo.) on Saturday.
