ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern women's volleyball team competed in their fifth conference match of the 2021 spring season, hosting the College of St. Scholastica Saints. The Eagles picked up their 20th win of the season, defeating the Saints in four (25-14, 25-22, 18-25, 25-16). Kiera Brown (Columbia Falls, Mont./Columbia Falls) records her career high 11 blocks, just one under the all-time record for match high blocks.

UNW extends their record to 20-5 overall and 5-0 in the UMAC. Northwestern ranks fifth all-time in overall volleyball season records with today's win, an .80 percent winning average. Head Coach, Beth Wilmeth records her 16th season with at least 20 wins out of her overall 17, while extending her total wins to 439.

Set one came very easy to the Eagles as they had a .444 hitting percentage with 15 kills to the Saints nine. Points went back and forth with a few short runs for Northwestern and a 4-0 run to finish set one 25-14.

Set two began with much of the same and a 5-point run for UNW before CSS got on the scoreboard. The Saints tied things up six times but were unable to take the lead from Northwestern. Tough defense and a number of blocks led the Eagles to their set two win, 25-22.

St. Scholastica found themselves on top and dominant in the third set as they led from the very beginning since the score was 2-1. Two four-point runs extended the Saints lead past the Eagles as well as their 16 kills to Northwestern's 11. CSS took set three 25-18.

UNW did not give up and were ready to go in set four coming out hot. Kiera Brown (Columbia Falls, Mont./Columbia Falls) and Gabby Straub (Le Sueur, Minn./Le Sueur-Henderson) started things off for the Eagles to go up 3-1 on the Saints. Two four-point runs for Northwestern had them up 15-8, due to a few Kalley Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./Central Christian) and Talia Gruthusen (Dryer, Ind./Lake Central) kills. The Saints came within five, but were not victorious as UNW finished out the match, winning set four 25-16.

Kalley Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./Central Christian) finished with an impressive 17 kills and 19 digs. Talia Gruthusen (Dryer, Ind./Lake Central) added 13 kills and Caitlyn Pruis (Sioux Falls, SD./Sioux Falls Christian) had 11. Kiera Brown (Columbia Falls, Mont./Columbia Falls) ended the day with 11 blocks while Talia Gruthusen (Dryer, Ind./Lake Central) had six. Sydney Schwitters (Clara City, Minn./MACRAY) dished out 54 assists and Marylyn Schroyer (Ft. Collins, Colo./Ft. Collins) picked up 32 digs.

The Eagles continue their conference season as they head to UW-Superior on March 25 to take on the Yellow-Jackets, match set to begin at 5 pm.

For all things UNW volleyball fans can visit www.unweagles.com or follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @unwvb.