WASHINGTON – Aleksandra Kazala had a match-high 23 kills, including four in a decisive 12-0 run to finish the final set as AU opened the American Volleyball Classic with a four-set triumph over Princeton on Friday at Bender Arena.

The Eagles won 25-21, 20-25, 25-19 and 25-17.

The Eagles improved to 6-5 on the season and will return to the court on Saturday at 10 a.m. to face Iowa. American will also play Howard at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The Tigers, now 6-2, play Howard at noon on Saturday and face Iowa at 5 p.m. at Bender Arena.

Freshman Helena Elbaek had 15 kills for American, her third straight match with double figures in kills. Kristen Largay had 20 digs and junior middle Cheyenne Orsi had a season-high nine blocks.

Natasha Skov had 14 kills and Maggie O'Connell chipped in with a dozen for the Tigers.

American trailed 17-13 in the final set before going on its final run of the night. Elbaek had two kills and two blocks to aid Kazala's offensive run, with Erin Swartz also getting a pair of blocks and Kennedy Etheridge had a service ace.

Etheridge (23 assists, 10 digs) and Kazala (23 kills, 11 digs) had double-doubles for AU.

Single-day passes for all of Saturday's action are available at the Bender Arena Box Office. General admission seats are $8 for adults and $5 for children. AU students are admitted free with a valid student ID.