SIOUX CITY, Iowa [BOX SCORE | BRACKET | SCHEDULE] – In the 2025 NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship Quarterfinal Round, the Northwestern (Iowa) Red Raiders swept (27-25, 25-19, 25-18) the Bellevue (Neb.) Bruins.
Bellevue started strong, but NWC edged out a win in the first set with a tight 27-25 finish. Northwestern’s ability to capitalize on key moments proved crucial in setting the tone for the remainder of the match. In the second set, Northwestern maintained its momentum, resulting in a 25-19 victory. The third set saw the Red Raiders seal the match with a 25-18 win.
Northwestern showcased a balanced attack, with a .236 hitting percentage, led by Stella Winterfeld’s 15 kills and a strong supporting cast including Sidney Oostra and Zavyr Metzger, who added six kills each. The Red Raiders’ serving was a critical factor, with 12 aces. Directing the offense were setters Nyah Potthoff and Liv Reitsma, who contributed 18 and 16 assists. Pothoff also led Northwestern in digs with 15.
The Red Raiders led in digs, aces, and blocks over the Bruins (NWC- 55 digs, 12 aces, 15 blocks, BU- 44 Digs, 6 aces, 7 blocks).
Eve Fountain led the Bruins with 11 kills, as well as tallying eight digs. She was followed by Bentlee Kollbaum, who recorded seven kills. Orchestrating the offense was setter Mila Aiwohi, who dished out 17 assists on the night.
With the loss, Bellevue is eliminated from championship play.
Northwestern advances to semifinal play with the win, marking the program’s second semifinal appearance. They return to action Monday, December 8 at 8 p.m. CT, taking on the winner of Concordia (Neb.) and Providence (Mont.).
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