NEW ULM, Minn. (Sept. 1, 2021) - The Buena Vista University volleyball team went on the road to begin its 2021 campaign on Wednesday night and came away with a thrilling 3-0 victory at Martin Luther by scores of 25-23, 26-24, 25-18.

Sophomore Rachel Brockney helped lead the way with a career-high 12 kills on just 19 total swings for a .450 attack percentage.  She was the only player by either team to reach double digits in kills.  Senior Sydney McLaren followed with eight kills while three others chipped in with five.  Overall, the Beavers tallied 39 kills en route to a .188 attack percentage.

Junior Hannah Smith chalked up five of the team's six service aces in the contest and also led the way defensively with 14 digs.  Senior Jade Hays was on her heels with 13 digs and also posted the other ace.  Junior Taylor Wedemeyer dished out a match-high 31 assists.

BVU jumped out strong early with a match-high 15 kills in the opening set and had just six errors to hold off the Knights who tallied 13 kills.  The Beavers held Martin Luther to only nine kills in the second set but committed eight errors of their own to keep the Knights within striking distance.  The team led 10-3 out of the gate before Martin Luther (0-1) rallied late to get as close as 17-15 before a kills from Smith and an attack error by the Knights put BVU in control.

It was all Buena Vista in the final set, holding Martin Luther to only seven kills and a -0.069 attack percentage.  The Beavers scored the first three points of the set and really never looked back.  The Knights pulled even multiple times but were unable to push in front.  It was an 18-17 Beaver lead before the visitors rolled off five straight points en route to their ninth straight victory over the Knights.

"Bri and I couldn't be more proud of these girls for getting it done in three sets tonight," said BVU head coach Rosie Aumann, who picked up a win in her collegiate coaching debut.  "This first match is done and out of the way, and now we're looking forward to a competitive weekend back up in Minnesota."

The Beavers will take part in the Macalester College Invitational which is scheduled for both Friday (Sept. 3) and Saturday (Sept. 4).  BVU will begin play at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night against Concordia (Minn.).