Press Release

November 3, 2003

Bearcats Split in Final Weekend

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team wrapped up the 2003 season this past weekend. Friday night, the 'Cats defeated Southwest Baptist, 3-2, for the second time this season. Saturday afternoon, Northwest fell to Missouri Southern, 3-0, in the final game of the season. The 'Cats finish the season with a record of 5-27, 2-14 in the MIAA.

The Bearcats headed to Bolivar Friday, looking to defeat Southwest Baptist for the second consecutive time. The 'Cats beat SBU, 3-0, on Oct. 3 in Bearcat Arena. Southwest Baptist battled the whole way, but in the end, the 'Cats were able to earn the tough 3-2 victory.

Junior Steph Suntken (Indianola, Iowa) led the way for Northwest, tallying 14 kills, 27 digs, three service aces, two solo blocks and four block assists. Freshman Mackenzie Heston (Ankeny, Iowa) added 16 digs, two solo blocks and five block assists. In all, six Bearcats recorded double-digit kills.

On Saturday, the 'Cats were looking for revenge after a Nov. 4 loss in Maryville. However, Northwest was not successful, falling to the Lady Lions, 3-0.

Once again, Suntken paced the 'Cats with nine kills, 10 digs, and four total blocks. Senior Holli Gillette (Lincoln, Neb.) chipped in with 13 digs, while Heston added five total blocks.