The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team (4-2) beat Minot State and St. Cloud State on the opening day of the NSIC NSIC in Sioux Falls, S.D. The tournament is hosted by Sioux Falls and Augustana and features eight teams and 16 total game at two locations in two days.

“I thought we were able to accomplish what we wanted today,” said head coach Amy Woerth. “For us to be down early to Minot State and be able to re-focus and come back says a lot about our team and where we are at. I thought we executed much better against St. Cloud State and it showed what we are capable of.”

Northwest lost the first set to Minot State, 25-11, to begin the day. But the Bearcats rebounded and won the next three sets, 25-11, 25-18 and 25-22. Due to a power malfunction, individual statistics for the match are not currently available.

In the second match, the Bearcats were sharp from the start, taking all three sets from St. Cloud State. Freshman Miranda Foster led the way with 13 kills and 14 digs. Also reaching double-digit kill totals were juniors Brooke Bartoshwith 11 and Abby Graves with 10. Bridget Hanafin recorded 40 assists and had five service aces. As a team, the Bearcats hit .354, including a blistering .414 in the opening set and .458 in the third set.

Northwest will finish the NSIC Challenge tomorrow with games against host schools Augustana (S.D.) at 2 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. match against SiouxFalls.

— Northwest Sports Information —