EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The University of Northwestern volleyball team (22-3) picked up two critical wins Saturday at the Sandy Schumacher Tournament, sweeping No. 15 Millikin before picking up a 3-1 win over the College of Saint Benedict. With the wins, the Eagles extend their winning streak to 18.

UNW 3, Millikin 0 (25-22, 28-26, 25-22)
The Eagles swept the Big Blue (16-4) in a highly-competitive match to open Saturday's play.

Mariah Halvorsen (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) and Leesa Malone (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) led a balanced attack, as both posted nine kills, followed by Linsey Peterson's seven. Malone also posted 16 assists to jumpstart the offense. Jackie Doering (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) posted 18 digs to lead the defensive effort. Peterson added 12 digs, while Abby Neuberger (Chanhassen, Minn./Southwest Christian) was also  in double digits with her 10 digs. Kayla Tanner (Anoka, Minn./Anoka) was a force in the middle, posting a match-high five blocks.

The Eagles held a 7-4 advantage in blocks and outhit Millikin .195 to .117.

UNW 3, CSB 1 (25-17, 25-27, 25-21, 25-20)
Mariah Halvorsen (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) stole the show, as the junior slammed a season-high 23 kills to lead UNW past CSB - snapping the Blazers' seven-match winning streak.

The Eagles hit .287 and held their opponent to a .186 hitting percentage. Lindsey Peterson (Sheffield, Iowa/West Fork) also put together a strong match, racking up 18 kills and 14 digs to secure a double-double. Leesa Malone (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) (29 assists) and Kaelyn Kilbo (Delano, Minn./Delano) (24 assists) had solid performances handling the setting duties. Jenay Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian) had a trio of blocks in the middle to contribute to the defensive effort.

The Eagles will open a five-match homestand with a 7 p.m. contest with conference foe Minnesota Morris Wednesday. Fans can find more information on the volleyball program at www.unweagles.com or by following @unwvb on Twitter.