ST. JOSEPH, Minn.  – The University of Northwestern volleyball team opened its 2015 campaign in style, sweeping St. Ben's, 3-0, Tuesday night. Both the Eagles and Blazers received votes in the AFCA Preseason Poll. UNW won by scores of 25-22, 25-13, 25-16.

Lindsey Peterson (Sheffield, Iowa/West Fork) smashed 10 kills and notched 14 digs to lead the way. Fellow sophomore Jackie Foster (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) recorded a match-high 20 digs, with Peterson close behind with 14. Senior Faith Vander Galien (Chanhassen, Minn./Southwest Christian) led the Eagles with four blocks for the evening. The Eagles out-scored the Blazers with 36 kills and six aces. With an impressive .245 hitting percentage, Northwestern limited St. Ben's to .040.
 
CSB's Laura Schmitt led with nine kills and 17 digs. Megan Pekarek was trailing close behind with 12 of her own digs.

The Eagles will return home to host the UNW Labor Day Invitational this weekend. Fans can find a complete tournament schedule at www.unweagles.com.