ST. PAUL – The fourth-ranked University of Northwestern volleyball team opened its season with a pair of wins Friday at the first annual Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational inside the Ericksen Center. The host Eagles defeated Loras, 3-0, before downing the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in the nightcap, 3-1. The Pointers were receiving votes in the AVCA Preseason Poll.

UNW 3, Loras 0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-16)
The Eagles settled in nicely after the first set and cruised to the sweep with convincing wins in sets two and three. The Eagles served the ball extremely well, racking up nine aces, while also hitting .125 for the match and holding Loras to a -0.55 hitting percentage.

Reigning AVCA Division III Player of the Year Lindsey Peterson (Sheffield, Iowa/West Fork) picked up right where she left off a year ago, as the senior posted a double-double with 10 kills and 12 digs. Mariah Halvorsen (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) showed why she was a key offseason addition, as the Wayne State transfer tallied nine kills and fellow newcomer Kaylee Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Homeschool) posted five kills in her first match in the purple and yellow. Jackie Doering (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) notched four aces and Kaelyn Kilbo (Delano, Minn./Delano) contributed three.

UNW 3, UW-Stevens Point 1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20)

The Pointers opened an exciting match with a 25-21 first-set win before UNW bounced back with three straight set wins to take the match in front of a packed house.
Northwestern's offensive attack was on full display, as the Eagles hit .242 as a squad. Lindsey Peterson (Sheffield, Iowa/West Fork) was dominant, as the senior smashed a match-high 24 kills. Mariah Halvorsen (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) reached double figures in the same category with her 10 kills. Peterson (16) and Jackie Doering (Charles City, Iowa/Charles City) (15) led the way defensively in the backrow, while Kayla Tanner (Anoka, Minn./Anoka) and Kaylee Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Homeschool) caused havoc in the middle with their four blocks apiece.

The Eagles will be back in action tomorrow when they host Concordia Moorhead (1 PM) and Buena Vista (3 PM) on day two of the invite. Fans can find more information at www.unweagles.com or by following @unwvb on Twitter.

A short ceremony was held prior to Friday's 7 p.m. match to recognize the Jamison and Pals Foundation and the families of Jamison and Kathryne Pals.