NAMPA, ID. – SFU Red Leafs lost their Great Northwest Athletic Conference season-opener in straight sets (25-22, 25-14, 25-21) to Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks Thursday evening at the Johnson Sports Center, hitting at a season-low .078 attack percentage and generating just 28 kills.
 
SFU entered the match averaging 13.41 kills per set, which ranked 29^th in NCAA Division II.

The loss dropped the Red Leafs to 5-4 overall.
 
The team will have to regroup in time for an afternoon match on Saturday against No. 13 ranked Central Washington Wildcats. The home opener is set for Sept. 21 (7PM) at West Gym. The home opener will feature a t-shirt toss into the crowd, Tokyo katsu-sand food truck serving Japanese style Katsu sando and a Rec sports clubs showcase. Free admission for SFU & FIC students with valid SFU ID
 
Simon Fraser actually controlled the first set early on but the Nighthawks caught the Red Leafs at 19-19 and then peeled off three straight points. SFU pulled to within one at 22-21 but eventually lost 25-22.
 
NNU led virtually from start to finish in the second set, leading 7-3 and 17-8 before winning 25-14.
 
The Red Leafs rallied in the third and held a 19-17 lead but the Nighthawks scored seven straight points for a 24-19 lead and eventually the win.
 
Outside hitter Hanna Kolof led the SFU attack with eight kills while opposite side hitter Sophie Lachapelle, who delivered a career-high 25-kill performance in SFU's last outing was held to just 6 on Thursday although she delivered three aces and four blocks. Lachapelle entered the match with a hitting percentage on the season of .307 which ranks sixth in the conference and ranked 50^th nationally with 3.72 kills per set.
 
NNU held advantages in kills, 33 to 28, attack percentage, .160 to .078, blocks, 10-6 and aces 11-5.
 
Red Leafs volleyball season tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sfu-red-leafs-season-passes-men-womens-soccer-and-volleyball-tickets-680344246957
 
#RepTheLeaf