ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern volleyball team opened its 2019 campaign on Friday afternoon as the host of the third annual Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational. The Eagles defeated St. Norbert College in a dominant four-setter, before falling in an exciting battle to neighboring Bethel amid a fan-filled Ericksen Center.
 
Northwestern 3, St. Norbert 1 (25-21, 25-16, 25-27 and 26-24)
The Eagles showcased several new faces as six freshmen saw action in Friday's season opener. In addition to a solid showing from the UNW newcomers, Northwestern's early lead was the result of four consecutive kills from prominent returner, Jenay Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian). The junior outside hitter led UNW with 14 kills in the match.
 
The Eagles wasted no time making use of the 2019 Aces for Joy Campaign. The initiative, aimed at raising funds for the Pals Family Foundation, features a $1 pledge from campaign participants for every Northwestern ace this season. The Eagles secured four in the first set alone and finished the match with 11. Over 50 individuals have made the pledge this season.
 
Northwestern cruised through set two, hitting .385 as a team and connecting on 13 kills to the Green Knight's seven. St. Norbert pulled off a close 27-25 third set win before UNW sealed the deal in a fourth set battle.
 
Kalley Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./Central Christian) added 12 kills and 13 digs in the win. Freshman libero Marylyn Schroyer (Ft. Collins, Colo./Ft. Collins) led Northwestern defensively, picking up 21 digs. Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACRAY) and Hope Kapelke (Fort Atkinson, Wisc./Fort Atkinson) shared the setting duties, dishing out 24 and 21 assists, respectively.
 
Bethel 3, Northwestern 0 (25-15, 25-20, 34-32)
After dropping a quick set one to the Royals, Northwestern came out in set two firing. The Eagles took an early 13-7 lead following consecutive kills from Fuglestad and Lucy Pelzel (St. Joseph, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral).
 
Bethel came roaring back, orchestrating an 11-2 run to come away with the second set. Northwestern showed resilience, coming back even stronger in set three. With the crowd packed and roaring, the Eagles had three match points, but fell in an exhilarating 34-32 set three final.
 
 Jenay Fuglestad (Maple Grove, Minn./Heritage Christian) led the way offensively, recording 14 kills in the three-setter. Kalley Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./Central Christian) tacked on 10 kills and a team-best 18 digs. Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACRAY) dished out 31 assists.
 
Northwestern will return to action on Saturday with a 2 p.m. match-up against Coe College. Follow UNW volleyball online this season at www.unweagles.com or on Instagram and Twitter at @unwvb.