Eastern Oregon University's Sade Williams (1) passes the ball during the NAIA national semifinals against Corban on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, in Sioux City, Iowa. The top-seeded Mountaineers fell in four sets to the Warriors, seeing the best season in program history end at 34-3.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Eastern Oregon Mountaineers volleyball team continued its winning streak into the opening round of NAIA Pool Play in Sioux City, Iowa on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

The three-seed Mountaineers defeated 22-seed Valley City State in three straight sets, winning 25-22, 25-16, and 25-20. The win improved Eastern Oregon’s record to 32-1 on the year and increased the team’s winning streak to 21 games.

Despite falling behind 2-0 early in the set, Eastern Oregon built a narrow lead that would eventually hold for the entirety of the first set. A service ace midway through the frame by Hannah Ledgerwood gave the Mountaineers a 20-13 advantage, their largest of the set. Valley City State clawed back to trim the lead to 24-22, but a kill by Sade Williams capped the set and gave Eastern Oregon a 25-22 victory.

The second set was Eastern Oregon’s most lopsided victory of the match, winning 25-16. After a neck-and-neck start, the Mountaineers embarked on a 10-2 run to build a solid 16-9 lead midway through the set. Eastern Oregon closed out the frame on a 9-4 run to take a comfortable nine-point victory in the second frame.

The Mountaineers came out looking for the knockout blow in the third set, building up a 10-4 lead out of the gates. However, Valley City State fought back to tie the game at 12-12 — Eastern Oregon still managed to never allow the Vikings to hold a lead in the set. A 6-2 run helped the Mountaineers build up a steady 18-14 lead, with a victory in sight. Valley City managed to cut the lead to two late in the set, but a kill by Williams once again allowed Eastern Oregon to hold onto a 25-20 advantage and win the match in three straight sets.

Williams starred for the Mountaineers, finishing with team-highs in blocks (2), aces (2), and digs (12). She also was second on the team in kills with 10, including two to close out sets. Mylie Mills led all players with 12 kills, while Alexis McMurtrey stood out for Eastern Oregon with 22 assists.

Up next, Eastern Oregon will face Montana Tech on Dec. 1 in the team’s final pool play match of the NAIA Tournament. The Mountaineers and Orediggers are scheduled to face off at 11 a.m. PT.