MAYVILLE, N.D. – The University of Northwestern volleyball competed in a pair of non-conference match-ups Saturday. The Eagles first took on Dickinson State University (N.D.), before facing Mayville University, who sits no. 1 in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) and undefeated at home (7-0) in the evening. This is the second time these two teams were meeting this season. UNW swept Dickinson State before falling to Mayville in three.
Northwestern 3, Dickinson State 0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20)
-Waiting on Final Stats from UNW vs. Dickinson State match
The Blue Hawks entered the match-up with a 2-3 record on the 2020 season. Northwestern went on to win each game without much difficulty.
The Eagles came ready to compete as they tallied 11, 16 and 13 kills respectively in the three sets. An impressive .462 hitting percentage in set no. 2 would surge UNW past Dickinson State single handedly. Game three was the closest set, but Northwestern held on to sweep the Blue Hawks 25-20.
Gabby Straub (Le Sueur, Minn./Le Sueur-Henderson),
Soleil Newland (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids - Rice) and
Kiera Brown (Columbia Falls, Mont./Columbia Falls) each hit a solid nine kills for the Eagles.
Soleil Newland (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids - Rice) recorded three aces on the night and sophomore
Lucy Pelzel (St. Joseph, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) had three blocks.
Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACRAY) led Northwestern in assists (30) and
Marylyn Schroyer (Ft. Collins, Colo./Ft. Collins) finished with 14 digs. UNW finished their first match with a .295 hitting average.
Mayville University 3, Northwestern 0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-21)
Following the Eagles three-set sweep with Dickinson State, they were right back at it – taking on Mayville State. Northwestern put up a fight in set one before the Comets rallied to take set one, 25-22.
The Eagles would suffer 18 attack errors in the next two sets to Mayville's three to fall in a quick set two before battling hard in set three.
Gabby Straub (Le Sueur, Minn./Le Sueur-Henderson) and
Soleil Newland (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids - Rice) put together strong offensive performances each recording 10 kills.
Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACRAY) was consistent in dishing out assists (35) while
Marylyn Schroyer (Ft. Collins, Colo./Ft. Collins) added another 26 digs to her tally.
Northwestern will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Sioux City, Iowa for another couple matches. The Eagles take on Mount Marty College (S.D.) and Briar Cliff University (Iowa) at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, respectively.
Follow UNW volleyball online this season at
www.unweagles.com or on Instagram and Twitter at @unwvb.
