SPRINGFIELD, OHIO—#11 Wittenberg women's volleyball opened the 2017 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Illinois Wesleyan University on Friday night. The Tigers were joined by #2 Emory and Johns Hopkins University at Pam Evans Smith Arena for the opening night of the Courtyard Marriott National Invitational. Wittenberg dropped the first set to the Titans of IWU, before hitting their stride offensively, rattling off three straight sets over IWU, 25-20, 25-22, and 25-18.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Wittenberg took an early lead in the first set against IWU before the visiting Titans gained control. After dropping the first set 25-22, Wittenberg came back with a high-powered offensive attack led by Maddie Fischer in set number two. The Tigers improved their kill-percentage from .077 in set number one, to .106 in set number two and an astonishing .235 in set number four. The Tigers managed to put up key blocks all night, as the Tigers produced 16 in the contest.

WHO STOOD OUT: Reigning first team AVCA All-American Maddie Fischer paced the Tigers with 17 kills and seven blocks on Friday night. Alongside Fischer, junior Taylor Brown tallied nine kills and 14 digs on a night where the Tigers offense clicked on all cylinders.  Karen Wildemann picked up where she left off in 2016, cracking the 30+ assist mark in the opening match, as the junior totaled 38 against IWU.

@wittenbergvb opens up 2017 with a 3-1 win over @iwusports! Tigers are back in action tomorrow morning agains Emory at 10AM #TigerUp pic.twitter.com/gtp8Qcennm

— Wittenberg Athletics (@WittAthletics) September 2, 2017

WHAT IT MEANS: While not in the top 25, IWU was in the "others receiving votes" category of the first AVCA poll. The Tigers defeated the Titans 3-0 a year ago just before NCAC conference tournament play, as the 3-1 victory becomes the Tigers first opening match win since 2015.

NOTABLE: The Tigers non-conference schedule is nothing short of an easy warmup for NCAC play, as the Tigers continue their schedule with #2 Emory, #3 Washington University-St. Louis, #21 Elmhurst, #22 Ohio Northern and Johns Hopkins.

QUOATABLE: "The level of play in both matches tonight was exceptional. It's clear these four teams have big goals and have worked hard this preseason to be in near-mid season form. I thought Witt played as a team, with solid poise. Karen Wildemann's play was outstanding tonight. We hope to recover and play equally hard tomorrow morning at 10:00am vs Emory," said head coach Paco Labrador.