NorthWood Volleyball put together a strong opening performance Saturday at the Elkhart Mini Tournament, sweeping Fairfield before falling to host Elkhart in the tournament championship. The Red Slam and Elkhart then returned to the floor for an additional scheduled best-of-three match to close out the day. =========================== NorthWood 3, Fairfield 0 NorthWood opened the tournament with a convincing straight-set victory over Fairfield, winning 25-14, 25-20, 25-19 to advance to the championship match. The Red Slam offense was led by Ella Branham, who finished with 19 kills, while Grace Thompson added six. Defensively, NorthWood received a balanced effort at the net and in the back row. Branham recorded four blocks, with Addie Davis adding three. Kenzie Miller led the defense with 12 digs, followed by Nola Nephew with 10 and Branham with eight. NorthWood also spread the production around from the service line, with Miller, Abby Schmucker, Elsa Jessup, Nephew, Branham and Lily Thompson each recording an ace. Allie Yoder and Addie Davis combined for 15 assists in the victory. =========================== Elkhart 3, NorthWood 0 — Championship The Red Slam met host Elkhart in the tournament championship, where the Lions earned the 3-0 victory. NorthWood finished the tournament portion of the day as the runner-up. Branham again paced the NorthWood attack with 13 kills. Grace Thompson, Emily DeFreitas and Jamya Nelson each added two kills. Miller recorded three aces, while DeFreitas and Nephew each added one. Nephew and Miller shared the team lead with 14 digs apiece. Branham added 8 of her own as well. At the net, Addie Davis recorded three blocks, while DeFreitas, Branham and Lily Thompson each added one. Yoder finished with 12 assists, and Davis contributed eight. =========================== Elkhart 2, NorthWood 0 — Additional Match With both programs having room remaining on their schedules, NorthWood and Elkhart had previously agreed to play an additional best-of-three match following the conclusion of the tournament. Elkhart took that contest 25-19, 25-21. Branham led NorthWood with six kills, while Grace Thompson and Emily DeFreitas each added two. Miller and Abby Schmucker each recorded two aces. Miller led the defense with nine digs, with Nephew and Branham each finishing with eight. Jamya Nelson and Davis recorded two blocks apiece. Yoder handed out eight assists, while Davis added three. =========================== The Red Slam returns to action Tuesday, October 6, at Penn.