"Woo wooo wooooo!" went the crowds at Thursday's volleyball match versus the Northwest Nazarene University.

With an end score of 3-2, the match marked the Nanooks' first conference win after a long losing streak.

After losing the first and third game by just a sliver, the 'Nooks bit back with an enthused overtime game that had the crowds chanting "UAF, UAF, UAF!"

The end scores were a respectable 27-30, 30-24, 28-30 and 31-29 with an overtime score of 15-12.

Watching from the crowd, UAF basketball player Andrew Smith had only one word to describe the games.

"Insane," Smith said. "Great to see them get a win."

The Crusaders put up a fair fight with Chelsea Lewis's 18 kills and .333 attack ratio.

Working the defense was Kristy Wigren with 30 digs and her cohort Lindsey Fryer with another 27 digs. Fyer also put down 16 kills during the games

On the 'Nooks offense was Megan Thigpen, bringing the pain with 19 kills and a .258 ratio.

Big saves were made by Jenna Jones with 28 digs and fellow 'Nook Miranda Trudeau with an additional 25 digs.

"It was hard fought and it felt great, we need this win," said Coach Phil Shoemaker.

Asked what was different between this match and last weeks matches, Shoemaker said, "We switched from two setters to one which stabilized the team. Also putting Megan Thigpen in a new position helped a lot."

Providing leadership on the court was Jenna Jones, who had 15 kills and 28 digs.

"We dug deeper and it really was a huge team effort," Jones said after the game. "I can't even describe what this win felt like. I know I won't be able to sleep tonight."

Crowd attendance was up from last week with 153 cheering fans who truly got a heck of a show.

The 'Nooks are on the road for four games starting with a match-up with Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore., on Thursday.

Alaska's next at home match is Oct. 5 against Saint Martins.