By Wesley Evans

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.—The Southern Virginia University women's volleyball team started its 2014 campaign on a strong note, taking the match in three straight games over Bridgewater College by scores of 25-16, 25-19 and 25-22 Friday night at The Freeman Center as part of the Captain's Classic hosted by Christopher Newport University.

The Knights led in all facets of the match, recording 40 total kills to the Eagles' 26, while also achieving 36 assists to Bridgewater's 22.

Senior middle blocker and 2013 All-Capital Athletic Conference member Kaitlyn Eaton began where she left off last year as she led all Southern Virginia players with 16 kills on 29 attempts to go along with a team-leading seven blocks—three solo and four assisted.

Junior setter Katelynn Tlustek equaled Bridgewater's assist total by tallying 22 assists of her own to lead the Knights. In her first evercollegiate match, freshman Vanessa Pawlak had a strong performance with eight kills to go along with six digs.

Defensive specialist April Bennett—also a 2013 All-CAC team member—earned a team-best 15 digs in the match while also recording three service aces.