The 17th ranked University of Mary Washington volleyball team defeated Southern Virginia University, 3-1, in its Capital Athletic Conference opener on Wednesday night in Buena Vista, Va. The Eagles improve to 16-1 on the season.

The Knights were ready to host their nationally-ranked opponent, and the 3-10 hosts came out strong, wionning the first game, 27-25. From there, the Eagles seized control, winning the next three, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20.

Freshmen Savannah Powers and Skyler Sisk led UMW with 12 kills apiece, with Rachel Hendricks scoring 11, Peyton Dunow 10, and Leslie Walters nine. Senior setter Emma Olson registered 50 assists to go with 18 digs, with junior Jenna Yost notching a team high 21 digs, and Dunow adding 19. Sisk, who ranks nationally in total blocking, added seven assists on the night.

The Eagles will be back in action on Friday night when they visit Frostburg State University in another CAC match starting at 7:00 p.m.