The Benedictine University women's volleyball team began Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference action on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over Concordia University-Chicago.

The Eagles (3-9, 1-0 NACC) trailed early in the first set but kills from Erin Wiegand and Ashley Karsten put BenU ahead and they never looked back, defeating the Cougars 25-21.

In set two, Benedictine's offense came alive to give BenU an early lead. Concordia-Chicago rallied back to tie the game at 20 but two service aces from Caitlyn Martin and a kill from Keriann Groen gave the Eagles the push they needed to beat CUC 25-23.

Despite taking a 14-10 lead in the third set, BenU allowed Concordia to score six consecutive points. The Eagles could never regain the lead as CUC went on to win 25-21.

Benedictine started off strong in the fourth set, taking a 15-8 lead. Molly Morley tallied two aces while Wiegand, Groen and Beckie Whitmarsh wrapped up the match as BenU won 25-18.

"It's always great to start off conference with a win," said head coach Jennifer Wildes. "Concordia-Chicago is a tough team and they always have a great crowd so this was a great win for us".

For the Eagles, Whitemarsh tallied 12 kills and three block assists while Groen had eight kills and six block assists. Kristi Naylon recorded four kills and four block assists and Martin led the Eagles with three aces and 11 digs. Abby Screnock had 33 assists.

The Eagles are back in action this Friday, September 19 when they compete in the annual Red and Black Triangular at North Central College.