The Briar Cliff volleyball started quick in Tuesday's season finale, taking the first 25-21 over #6 Northwestern in the Newman Flanagan Center. The Cliff eventually fell in four to the Red Raiders and were led by Chloe Johnson's 11 kills and 13 digs.
 
"Northwestern is a tough team and are ranked inside the top-10 in the NAIA, so we were ready for them right out of the gates, and carried our momentum through set one," said head coach Lindsey Weatherford. "Chloe showed up tonight and terminated when we need her to. She has been our consistent scoring leader throughout the season and tonight she stepped up to lead our hitters throughout the match.

The Chargers led 10-5 early in set one and had four different players contribute points in the opening 15 rallies. The two teams traded points, until a 3-0 Red Raider run forced a BC timeout. After NWC tied the contest at 17-17, the Cliff answered with a 7-1 swing to take a 24-18 advantage. Tannah Heath recorded back-to-back services aces during the run. Sami Wasmund closed out the set with a kill, assisted by Heath.
 
The Chargers hit their best percentage in the opening set (.282), while holding NWC to a .213 attack percentage.
 
Set two saw the Red Raiders take a 10-4 lead, which was extended to nine points later in the set. After a solid first set, the Cliff hit -.057 in set two.
 
Briar Cliff was right with Northwestern in the start of set three, as the score was tied seven times through the first 14 points. However, the Red Raiders used a 10-1 run late in the set to take a 24-13 lead. In a rally attempt, the Charger scored four straight, but a kill by Alysen Dexter ended the set.
 
Chloe Johnson totaled three of the Cliff's first eight points in the final set with two kills and an ace as they jumped out to an 8-3 lead. After a NWC timeout, the Red Raiders would outscore BC 17-5 to take control of set four.
 
"Sami and Toria put up a strong block for us tonight against a hard-hitting Northwestern offense," said Weatherford. "They have been consistent for us all season long on the defensive and offensive side of the ball. Senior Tannah Heath has been a team leader all season long and did a great job as a setter for us down the stretch. She was spectacular tonight in putting her hitters in a good position and digging balls on defense."
 
Toria Andre had nine kills, one block and a .208 hitting percentage, while Wasmund had seven kills and two blocks. Olivia Petersen had three blocks and two kills.
 
Heath dished out 28 assists and had a team high 17 digs to go with two aces. Abbey Jones and Taryn Nothem had 16 and 14 digs, respectively.