NAMPA, Idaho — Simon Fraser University lost the opening game 25-22, 25-15, 21-25, 25-23 to Dominican University in the NCAA Division II West Region Showcase hosted by Northwest Nazarene on Thursday afternoon.

Aimee Steinwand recorded 17 kills and added 20 digs, and was complimented by teammate Kate Even, who finished with 18 kills and 17 digs in the win as the Penguins (1-4) proved resilient in the clutch in a see-saw match.  A kill by Even snapped a 22-22 tie in the opening set, and an ace serve by Even finished off the opening win.

Dominican went on a 6-0 run that broke open the second set for a 25-15 win.

The see-saw action continued in the third set, with the Clan (1-4) pulling away late after a Steinwand kill had gotten Dominican as close as 21-20 down.

Again tied 22-22 in the fourth set, the teams traded points before a service ace followed by a Steinwand kill lifted the Penguins in the clutch to the victory.

Kirsten Pinkney led the Clan with 12 kills and 11 digs, Betsie de Beer added 10 kills, as did Tessa May, Jayme Bratsberg had 21 digs, Katie Dolguikh had 16 digs, and Tamara Clarke dished out 29 assists for Simon Fraser.

SFU next plays Sonoma State at 9 am (PT) on Friday. SFU opens Conference play on Mon., Sept. 11, at Northwest Nazarene in a rematch of last year's NCAA West Regional quarterfinals match.

Simon Fraser will play two more conference games on the road before returning home to host the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets in the West Gym on September 23 at 5pm.

A season ticket to Clan Volleyball is $90 for 10 home games and available by emailing tickets@sfu.ca.

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--@SFUClan--