MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Northwestern volleyball team hit the road to take on Minnesota-Morris in Wednesday night UMAC action. After dropping the first two sets in a competitive, back-and-forth scoring exchange, the Eagles found their stride – winning the next three sets to maintain a perfect 12-0 conference skid this season. Northwestern has won 58 straight matches against UMAC opponents.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 12-0 in conference play and 17-5 overall. The Cougars drop to 14-9 overall, 9-3 in the UMAC.
After falling in the first two sets by scores of 25-23 and 25-27, Northwestern hit a steady .304 attack average and took set three, 25-14. The Cougars fought back, taking an 11-6 advantage to begin the fourth set before the Eagles went on a 9-0 run to regain the lead and carry it to victory.
The fifth and decisive set was an outright battle, with Northwestern coming out on top after a kill by
Mariah Halvorsen (Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata) and block assist from Halvorsen and
Jenay Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian) brought the Eagles to match point.
Three Northwestern players posted double-digit kill totals led by Halvorsen who finished with 23 kills and 15 digs. Fuglestad added 11 kills and a team-high nine block assists.
Freya Hanson (Otsego, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville) picked up 25 digs in the match and standout setter,
Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACCRAY) dished out 52 assists and added 16 digs in the five-setter.
UNW will return to action on Friday, October 12 when they host a non-conference match against Saint Mary's (11-8, 3-5 MIAC). First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. Follow the Eagles online this year at
www.unweagles.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @unwvb.
