“Nanooks Shine Bright: How No. 21 Alaska Fairbanks Swept Northwest Nazarene to Break Their Losing Streak”

FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks volleyball team celebrated a solid 3-0 victory over Northwest Nazarene on Thursday, Oct. 16. This win improved their season record to 15-3 and solidified their impressive 7-0 home record.

In the first set, Alaska edged out Northwest Nazarene 25-22. Although NNU had a higher swing percentage, Alaska’s defense held them to just 10 kills. The Nanooks maintained a strong offense, racking up 16 kills.

The second set saw Alaska winning again, this time 25-21. Despite NNU hitting with efficiency, Alaska’s performance remained steady, with 15 kills and only four errors.

In the thrilling third set, Alaska dominated with a .333 hitting percentage and just one error. They clinched the set 25-23, completing the sweep over the Nighthawks.

Key Stats:

• Alaska swung at .291 as a team, finishing with 45 kills against 13 errors.
• Northwest Nazarene recorded a .272 swing percentage with 40 kills.
• Ainsley Smith shined with five service aces, 37 assists, and eight blocks.
• Mikala Henderson led the team with 18 kills on 30 swings and added nine digs.
• Elena Guc contributed 10 kills, while Haylee Lyons led with 14 digs.

Alaska’s hitting percentage is noteworthy; it’s their second-highest of the season, following a .320 performance against Cal State San Marcos earlier this year.

Looking Ahead:

The Nanooks will play their next match at home on Saturday, Oct. 18, facing Central Washington. CWU comes into the game fresh off a win against Alaska Anchorage and has won its last six matches.

For fans, there’s an added bonus: the first 250 attendees will receive a pink scarf, promoting a “Go Pink!” event in support of breast cancer awareness.

Social Media Buzz:

Fans have been buzzing about Alaska’s strong home performance on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. The excitement suggests rising support for the team as they head into a challenging matchup.

This match is sure to capture more attention, with Central Washington ranked and on a winning streak. Keep an eye out for updates from the Nanooks and the upcoming action in the GNAC!

For more detailed insights on volleyball statistics and team performances, you can check out the NCAA Volleyball statistics.

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