BRIDGEWATER, Va. – The Bridgewater College volleyball team opened the season with an exciting comeback victory over Marymount University and followed it up with a sweep of North Carolina Wesleyan. Rachel Gaston began her junior campaign with a bang after recording two new career highs, while Victoria Wilson beat her career high mark by one assist.

Match One: Bridgewater 3, Marymount 2 (21-25, 22-25, 30-28, 25-22, 15-13)

After falling behind, the Eagles found themselves in a must win third set. In what was a back and forth affair, the Eagles finally captured the set on a Gaston kill. The team had found their groove and opened the fourth set on a 10-1 run. The Saints came within three points at the end of the set, but a smart timeout by head coach Erin Harris led to a Saints attacking error and a fifth and final set.

The fifth set was tight throughout, much like the entire match. The game was tied 13-13 when the Eagle's took charge on a Madison Haynes and Victoria Wilson block. Gaston earned the game winning kill to give the Eagles their first win of the season in comeback fashion.

Two Eagles finished with a double-double. Gaston had 24 kills and 28 digs, both new career highs for the junior. Classmate Allison Clark had 11 kills and 16 digs. Taylor McNeely anchored the back row with 21 digs and Wilson captained the offense with 49 assists, a new career high for the senior.

Match Two: Bridgewater 3, North Carolina Wesleyan 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-9)

In the second match of the evening, the Eagles defeated North Carolina Wesleyan in straight sets. The team never trailed in the match and had 12 players record a statistic.

Freshman Nadia Valle and Alani Alderman made their debut in an Eagle uniform, as did sophomore Jessica Bissmeyer who missed last season due to injury.

The Eagles found their rhythm and ended the night with 46 total kills compared to the Bishops' 19. McNeely led the team in digs with 16 and Clark was a consistent front row option recording 13 kills.

The Eagles return to action tomorrow in the final day of the Route 42 Classic where they face Salem and Catholic.