NORTHFIELD, Minn. (Aug. 29, 2008) – The Northwestern College volleyball team opened their 2008 schedule on Friday, participating in a tournament hosted by St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges. The Eagles split their two matches, losing to the host Oles from St. Olaf before defeating Buena Vista University.

In the initial contest versus St. Olaf, Northwestern took an early 11-8 advantage before a St. Olaf timeout turned the game towards the Oles' favor, as they went on a 5-0 run before taking Game 1 25-17. Game 2 wasn't an improvement for NWC, as St. Olaf made quick work in a 25-12 outcome. Northwestern gave the Oles a run in the third and final game, but another late timeout fueled St. Olaf to a 26-24 game and match victory.

Kim Smisek led all players with 11 kills, while Kelly Prunty had 29 assists for St. Olaf, who hit .216 as a team. Northwestern countered with a mere .030 attacking percentage. Kathryne Engel (Wayzata, Minn./West Lutheran) (Wayzata, Minn./West Lutheran) and Steph Koth (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing) (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing) each had eight kills to lead Northwestern.

Northwestern's second match of the day was a change of pace, as the Eagles swept Buena Vista. After a 25-12 win in Game 1, the Beavers from Buena vista came back with some fire before NWC pulled away with a 25-21 win in the second game. Not long after, the Eagles sealed the victory with a 25-16 victory in Game 3 to take the match.

Engel got hot early and never stopped, pacing Northwestern with 14 kills and a .500 attacking percentage. Koth stayed consistent with eight kills, while Hillary Slagter (Prinsburg, Minn./Central Minnesota Christian) (Prinsburg, Minn./Central Minnesota Christian) and Leah Kostek (West Des Moines, Iowa/Des Moines Christian ) (West Des Moines, Iowa/Des Moines Christian) tallied 17 and 16 assists, respectively. Danielle Rhodes (Iowa City, Iowa/City) (Iowa City, Iowa/City) led all players with 21 digs.

Laura Bicket (Zion, Ill./Zion-Benton Township) (Zion, Ill./Zion-Benton Township) rebounded from a major viral infection early in the week to record five blocks in the Buena Vista match. The senior also tallied seven kills in her senior season's debut.

Northwestern will take the next few days off before hitting the practice court again on Monday in preparation for the Augsburg College tournament next Friday and Saturday. The Eagles will begin the weekend event against the University of St. Thomas on Friday at 4 p.m.