Montana State University-Northern Skylights continued their perfect start to the 2026 season Friday morning, defeating Walla Walla University 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-23) at the P1FCU Activity Center.

With the victory, Northern improved to 4-0 on the season, while Walla Walla fell to 0-1.

The Skylights overcame a strong offensive performance from Walla Walla, which finished the match with 38 kills compared to Northern's 37. Northern made the difference at the service line and at the net, recording 10 aces and six blocks, while limiting Walla Walla to three aces and three blocks. The Skylights also held an advantage in hitting percentage, finishing at .276 compared to .139 for Walla Walla.

Northern took the opening set 25-23 after hitting .314 with 13 kills and just two errors. Walla Walla kept the set close with 18 kills, but the Skylights were able to make the crucial plays late to take the early lead.

The Skylights carried that momentum into the second set, pulling away for a 25-17 victory. Northern hit .286 in the frame while holding Walla Walla to a .000 hitting percentage, taking a 2-0 match advantage.

Walla Walla battled back in the third set, but Northern once again came through in the closing points. The Skylights erased a late 21-21 tie and closed the match on a 4-2 run to secure the 25-23 victory and the straight-set sweep.

Josie Hasler led the Skylights offensively with nine kills while hitting .308 and added nine digs. Caleigh Case followed with eight kills while posting an impressive .538 hitting percentage. Holly Newman contributed six kills, 11 assists and nine digs.

At the service line, Emily Bird was outstanding, recording a match-high five aces. Bird also directed the offense with 16 assists. Kambria Maloy added two aces and 11 digs, while Newman also recorded two service aces.

Northern's defense at the net was anchored by Cadee Bilden and Kendall Scheffelmear, who each recorded four blocks. Macy Uffelman added 13 digs, while Maloy led the Skylights with 11 digs and Hasler and Newman each finished with nine.

Northern's balanced attack proved to be the difference, as the Skylights committed just 10 attack errors on 98 attempts and finished the match with a .276 hitting percentage. Walla Walla recorded 22 attack errors and hit .139.

The win keeps Northern unbeaten at 4-0 to begin the 2026 campaign. The Skylights remain in Lewiston for another match Friday evening against Lewis-Clark State College, with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m.