<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561997795681.jpeg" width="121" style="cursor: nesw-resize;">The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team began its season 4-0 at the Washburn Invitational and with that success comes accolades for a pair of Bearcats. Junior setter Maddy Ahrens has been named the MIAA Specialist of the Week and junior outside hitter Hallie Sidney has earned Co-MIAA Hitter of the Week status. Ahrens (Appleton, Wisconsin) averaged 11.27 assists per set and 2.40 digs per set at the Washburn Invitational. Ahrens had 34 assists vs. No. 23 Central Washington, 40 assists vs. Quincy, 40 assists vs. William Jewell and 55 assists vs. No. 18 Drury. Ahrens had a double-double against Drury with 11 digs. Sidney (Chesterfield, Missouri) averaged 4.13 kills per set and hit .303 and was named to the Washburn Invitational all-tournament team. Sidney averaged 2.67 digs per set, while notching a pair of double-doubles. Sidney had 11 kills, 12 digs, two blocks and a service ace in a 3-0 win over No. 23 Central Washington. Sidney posted 15 kills, six digs, two service aces and a block in a 3-1 triumph over Quincy. Sidney secured 14 kills, seven digs, three service aces and a block in a 3-0 win over William Jewell. Sidney produced a season-high 22 kills and 15 digs to go with two blocks in a 3-2 victory over No. 18-ranked Drury. Northwest will be back in action next weekend in Springfield, Missouri, taking part in the Drury Invitational. Northwest will match up against Northern State (Fri., 1 p.m., Colorado Mesa (Fri., 5 p.m., Drury (Sat., 1 p.m.) and Truman State (Sat., 5 p.m.). --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest duo earns MIAA volleyball honors