Nampa, ID – Simon Fraser University fell from the ranks of the unbeaten Thursday after the women's volleyball lost in straight sets to Northwest Nazarene Crusaders Thursday in Nampa, ID for Week 2 of of conference play.
 
Despite coming in with a 2-0 record, the Clan lost in three straight sets 26-28, 19-25, and 16-25.
 
Both teams are now 2-1 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
 
Opening up the first set with a kill by senior outside hitter Jessica Young, the Clan held the lead early until NNU tied the game at 7-7. The set remained within 3 points and was tied 26-26 with a kill by Tamara Nipp. But NNU won two consecutive kills by Taylor VanValey and Elayna Rice to take the set at 28-26.
 
The Crusaders held an early lead in the second set but three kills by sophomore Christine Howlett pulled the Clan to within one point before five consecutive attack errors by the Clan pushed the Crusaders ahead 21-14. From the then on, NNU kept the ball alive to finish off the set 25-19.
 
Down by two sets, SFU wasn't able to pull themselves together to fight for the possibility of a 5-set match. With only 11 total kills by the Clan, NNU swept the set quickly with a score of 25-16.
 
"Collectively we made too many errors tonight. It's tough to beat teams when you give them half their points," said Clan head coach Gina Schmidt.
 
Leading the team in kills was sophomore Christine Howlett with 14 followed by middle blocker Tessa May with 9. Libero Alison McKay and defensive specialist freshman Jayme Bratsberg kept the team alive defensively with 22 and 13 digs, respectively.
 
The Clan travels to Ellensburg, WA tomorrow to play the Central Washington Wildcats Saturday night. The following week it faces Western Washington and Montana State Billings on the road.
 
The Clan's next home game is Oct. 8 against Western Oregon in the West Gym beginning at 7:00 PM.