Falcons End Season On a Sour Note

Nov. 2, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team most likely saw their season come to an end on Tuesday night, with a loss in the first round of the WIAC tournament. The Falcons were swept in three straight games by a tough UW-La Crosse team, 31-29, 30-19, 30-23. The only way the Falcons can make the NCAA playoffs is by getting an at-large berth, but that seems highly unlikely.

The Eagles dominated the Falcons on the defensive end, with 80 digs and 11 total team blocks. UW-RF managed just 37 digs and two total team blocks. The Falcons were led in the match by senior outside hitter Nina Petersen with 13 kills and by sophomore Andrea Geehan with 12 kills. The Falcons also got 11 digs from sophomore libero Lindsey Mace.

Falcons Finish Second in Trick or Treat Tourney

Oct. 30, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team went undefeated in pool play, but they were unable to beat UW-Stout in the title match. After going 2-0 yesterday, the Falcons began the day with a hard fought win against UW-Superior, 30-17, 30-19, 28-30, 27-30, 15-2. In the title match the Falcons fell to UW-Stout, 30-21, 27-30, 30-28, 30-24.

Senior outside hitter Nina Petersen led the Falcons against Superior, with 19 kills and 6 digs. The Falcons also got solid play from senior outside hitter Logan Kiesch, with 13 kills and 17 digs, and from sophomore setter Kat Krtnick, with 20 digs.

The Falcons will host UW-La Crosse in the first round of thhe WIAC tournament on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Falcons Start Fast At the Trick or Treat Tourney

Oct. 29, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team got off to a fast start at their own Trick or Treat Tourney. The Falcons started off with a win against St. Thomas, 30-32, 30-27, 30-24, 30-18. Then UW-RF went on to beat St. Scholastica 30-27, 30-28, 30-22.

Against St. Thomas, the Falcons were led by senior outside hitter Logan Kiesch, with 11 kills and 13 digs. The Falcons also got good matches from Andrea Geehan, with 13 kills, and sophomore Tressa Gustafson, who had 16 digs filling in for the injured Katie Thompson.

In the second match, against St. Scholastica, the Falcons were led once again by Kiesch, with 13 kills and 16 digs. Senior outside hitter Nina Petersen led the team on offecse with 15 kills and Geehan had another solid match with 12 kills.

The Falcons will play UW-Superior at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, but they have already secured their spot in the tournament title game at 3:30 p.m.

Falcons Finish UW-Whitewater Invite 2-2

Oct. 22, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team closed out their day at the UW-Whitewater Invite with a 2-2 record. The Falcons opened on Saturday with a win against Wartburg, 30-23, 30-18, 27-30, 32-30. UW-RF then went on to play Central College, the eventual winner of the invite, and lost, 30-20, 31-33, 30-25, 30-11.

The Falcons continue tournament play next weekend when they host the UW-RF Trick or Treat tournament. The tournament will include WIAC rivals Stout, Eau Claire, and Superior, as well as St. Scholastica, UM-Morris, Bethel, and St. Thomas.

Falcons Open Whitewater Invite 1-1

Oct. 22, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team opened up the UW-Whitewater Invite with a 1-1 record on Friday night. UW-RF opened up against #19 Elmhurst and lost in four games, 27-30, 30-18, 30-24, 30-26. Then Falcons took on Edgewood, a team with a 3-25 record, in the second game and cruised to an easy victory, 30-13, 30-17, 30-23.

The Falcons continue tournament play tommorrow with matches against Wartburg and Central College. The Falconswill continue to go up against quality competition in order to get ready for the playoffs. Central, who is currently leading the tournament, is ranked #11 and Wartburg fell out of the Top 25 just last week.

Falcons Close Out Conference Season On a Positive Note

Oct. 20, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team took care of UW-Eau Claire Wednesday night to clinch a first round home game in the WIAC conference tournament. The Falcons dropped the first game, but bounced back to sweep the next three and won the match, 23-30, 30-27, 30-24, 30-22. The Falcons finished off their conference schedule 5-3, in a tie for fourth place.

The Falcons got great performances all around, but were led by senior outside hitter Nina Petersen with 14 kills, 17 digs, and three aces. Sophomore outside hitter Katie Thompson also had a good match with 11 kills, 13 digs, and four aces. Senior Logan Kiesch contributed 11 kills and 10 digs, while libero Lindsey Mace chipped in with 13 digs. The Blugolds were led by Molly Menard with 9 kills and 12 digs.

The Falcons travel to Whitewater this weekend to compete in the UW-Whitewater Invite. On Friday, they will take on Elmhurst and Edgewood, and on Saturday, they will play Wartburg and Central. All of the teams the Falcons will play are ranked, except Edgewood, so it will be a warm up for the upcoming conference tournament.

Falcons Ranked 15th in Oct. 20 AVCA Poll

Oct. 20, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team is ranked No. 15, up one spot from the Oct. 13 AVCA poll.

The Falcons had been ranked 16th in three straight polls, but moved up a spot this week. The Falcons had a 2-0 record last week getting wins at home over Superior (30-23, 30-25, 30-18) and at Stevens Point (30-23, 30-21, 30-19).

The Falcons host UW-Eau Claire tonight at the Karges Center. This weekend the Falcons play in the UW-Whitewater Tournament. The Falcons face Elmhurst at 5 p.m. and Edgewood at 7 p.m. on Friday. Elmhurst is ranked 23rd in this week's poll. Saturday the Falcons play Wartburg at noon and Central at 2 p.m. Central is ranked 16th in this week's poll.

Six WIAC teams are ranked in this week's poll. Whitewater is ranked No. 10, Platteville No. 11, La Crosse No. 13, UWRF No. 15, Stout No. 17 and Oshkosh No. 22 in this week's poll.

Go to the AVCA poll.

Falcons Continue Hot Streak Against Stevens Point

Oct. 16, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team made short work of the Pointers on Saturday afternoon with a three game sweep, 30-23, 30-21, 30-19, in Stevens Point.

The Falcons finished the week with a 2-0 record to keep themselves in the WIAC championship hunt. The Falcons overpowered the Pointers on offense and defense in route to an easy win.

The Falcons were led by sophomore outside hitter Katie Thompson with 17 kills and by senior Nina Petersen with 13 kills. The defense was lead by Logan Kiesch with 23 digs. Lori Marten lead the UW-SP with 22 digs.

The Falcons, now 18-7 overall and 4-3 in the WIAC, host UW-Eau Claire on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and then participate in the Whitewater Invite on Friday and Saturday.

Falcons Dominate Against UW-Superior

Oct. 13, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team proved on Wednesday night that it always good to come home. In their first home match in three weeks, they made quick work of UW-Superior, 30-23, 30-25, 30-18. The night was special for another reason for many of those involved in UW-RF volleyball. The Falcons recognized their parents during a special ceremony between games two and three. They also presented Nina Petersen with a ball signed by all of her teammates in recognition of her 1,000 career kill.

The Falcons won the match with their defense recording 2 solo blocks, 22 block assists and 58 digs. Libero Lindsey Mace lead the defense with 15 digs, while Katie Thompson lead the offensive charge with 15 kills and a .267 hitting percentage. The Falcons also got a good effort from Andrea Geehan who had 12 kills and eight block assists.

The Falcons, now 17-7 ooverall and 3-3 inn the WIAC, will travel to Stevens Point on Saturday. That match will get underway at noon.

Falcons Ranked 16th in Oct. 13 AVCA Poll

Oct. 13, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team is ranked No. 16, for the third week in a row, in the Oct. 13 AVCA poll.

The Falcons, 16-7 overall and 2-3 in the WIAC, finished last week with a 2-2 record at the UW-Platteville Invitational. Friday the Falcons lost twice, to St. Norbert (24-30, 30-22, 20-30, 30-25, 15-12) and to Platteville (30-16, 30-27, 27-30, 25-30, 15-13). But the Falcons rebounded on Saturday to win twice, over Stout (35-33, 27-30, 30-18, 30-26) and Illinois Wesleyan (30-23, 30-22, 28-30, 30-23).

The Falcons host UW-Superior tonight at the Karges Center in a WIAC match. Play starts at 7 p.m. Saturday the Falcons play another WIAC match, at UW-Stevens Point, with action starting at noon.

Whitewater is ranked No. 10, Platteville No. 11, La Crosse No. 13, UWRF No. 16, Stout No. 17 and Oshkosh No. 21 in this week's poll.

Go to the AVCA poll.

Falcons Bounce Back at UW-Platteville Invitational

Oct. 9, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team bounced back after a disappointing Friday at the UW-Platteville Invitational, with two wins on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons got revenge against WIAC foe UW-Stout in the first game, and finished off the tournament with a win against Illinois Wesleyan. The Falcons won both matches in four games, 35-33, 27-30, 30-18, 30-26 against the Blue Devils, and 30-23, 30-22, 28-30, 30-23 against Illinois Wesleyan.

The Falcons finished the tournament with a 2-2 record, but gained some valuable experience against some quality teams. The Pioneers of Platteville were the winners of the tournament, finishing with a 4-0 record.

The Falcons return to WIAC play this week on Wednesday night when they will host UW-Superior at 7 p.m. Then they will travel to Stevens Point on Saturday afternoon for a match with the Pointers.

Falcons Drop Two at UW-Platteville Invitational

Oct. 8, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team got off to a rough start with two losses to begin the UW-Platteville Invitational. The Falcons let a two games to one lead slip away in their first match, eventually losing to St. Norbert, 24-30, 30-22, 20-30, 30-25, 15-12. In the late match, the Falcons faced UW-Platteville, a team they lost to earlier in the year. The Falcons quickly got down two games to none, won the next two games, but eventually lost in five games, 30-16, 30-27, 27-30, 25-30, 15-13.

Against Platteville, the Falcons were led by Senior outside hitter Logan Kiesch with 14 kills, 15 digs, and a .256 hitting percentage. Katie Thompson and Andrea Geehan added 13 kills apiece and libero Lindsey Mace led the Falcons with 17 digs. The Pioneers were led by Mal Dzubay with 16 kills and 22 digs.

The Falcons will continue play tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. with a match against UW-Stout, and then a match at noon against Illinois Wesleyan to close out the Invitational.

Volleyball Team Ranked 16th in AVCA Poll

Oct. 6, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team is ranked 16th, for the second week in a row, in the oct. 6 AVCA poll.

The Falcons, now 14-5 overall and 2-3 in the WIAC, finished 1-1 last week. The Falcons won (30-25, 26-30, 30-27, 15-30, 15-12) at Oshkosh on Friday, but lost (30-25, 30-18, 30-22) at Whitewater on Saturday. UWO was ranked 19th in last week's poll and UWW was ranked 12th.

This weekend the Falcons compete in the UW-Platteville Tourney. Friday the Falcons face St. Norbert at 6 p.m. and Platteville at 8 p.m. and Saturday they play Stout at 10 a.m. and Illinois Wesleyan at noon.

There are six WIAC teams ranked in this week's poll. Whitewater is 11th, Platteville 12th, La Crosse 14th, Stout 15, RF 16th and Oshkosh 20th. Eau Claire received votes in the poll making seven of the nine WIAC teams getting votes.

Go to the AVCA poll.

Falcons Falter at UW-Whitewater

Oct. 2, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team was beaten on Saturday afternoon in three straight games, 30-25, 30-18, 30-22. The Falcons lost a close first game and then never really came back. The Warhawks came into the match as the #12 team in the country and they showed the Falcons why. The young Falcon squad is learning just how tough the WIAC is.

The Falcons were led in the match were led by sophomore Katie Thompson with 10 kills and 14 digs. Senior Nina Petersen also had a good match with 7 kills and 14 digs. Petersen also reached a personal milestone by getting her 1,000 career kill. The Warhawks were led by Cassie Uttech who had 13 kills and 17 digs.

The Falcons fell to 14-5 overall and 2-3 in the conference with the loss and the Warhawks improved to 19-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference. UW-RF will travel to Platteville next weekend to play in the UW-Platteville Tournament. In the tournament the Falcons will get another shot at WIAC rivals Stout and Platteville.

Falcons Fight Out a Win Against Oshkosh

Sept. 29, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team started out their road trip on a positive note with a hard fought victory against UW-Oshkosh. The Falcons scored the last four points of the match and beat the Titans, 30-25, 26-30, 30-27, 15-30, 15-12. Coming into the match the Falcons were ranked #16 and the Titans were ranked #19, so it was expected to be a very close match.

The Falcons were led once again by sophomore Katie Thompson with 21 kills and a .354 hitting percentage. Logan Kiesch led the Falcons on the defensive end with 19 digs. Nina Petersen contributed 13 kills and 11 digs and needs just 4 kills in the match tomorrow to have 1,000 for her career. The Titans were led by Amber Petersen, who had 19 kills and a hitting percentage of .548.

The Falcons will continue their road trip tomorrow when they travel to #12 Whitewater. The match will begin at noon.

Falcons Take Second Place in UWEC Invitational

Sept. 24, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team opened up with four straight wins at the UW-Eau Claire Lisa Siegenthaler
Memorial Tournament, but they fell in the final against host UWEC to finish second in the tournament. The Falcons opened Saturday's action with a sweep against WIAC rival UW-Stevens Point, 30-27, 30-24, 30-22. In the final the Falcons took the Blugolds all the way to a fifth game before losing, 35-33, 25-30, 22-30, 30-28, 15-9.

Against UW-SP the Falcons were led by Kat Krtnick with 30 assists and 19 digs, while Katie Thompson contributed 17 kills. In the final the Falcons got 23 kills from Andrea Geehan and 21 digs from from Lindsey Mace, but it was not enough.

The Falcons will continue conference play on the road Friday aginst Oshkosh at 7 p.m. The Falcons will then take on Whitewater at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Falcons Win First Two Matches at Eau Claire Invitational

Sept. 24, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team opened up with two wins at the UW-Eau Claire Lisa Siegenthaler Memorial Tournament. In the first match the Falcons came out and won the first two games, but then had to hold on for a five game win against Coe College of Ceader Rapids, IA, 30-21, 30-25, 28-30, 25-30, 15-9. UWRF then went on to an easy victory over Edgewood, 30-20, 30-13, 30-13. The Falcons were one of three teams to finish the night undefeated, along with UW-Stevens Point and UW-Eau Claire.

Against Coe College, the Falcons were led by Kat Krtnick with 64 assists and 18 digs, while Katie Thompson added 20 kills. Thompson again led the team against Edgewood with 12 kills and 17 digs.

The Falcons will take on UW-Stevens Point tommorrow morning at 11:30. The winner of that match will go on to the championship at 3:30 and the loser will play in the third place match at 1:30.

Falcons Lose at Stout

Sept. 22, 2004

Coming off a big win against La Crosse, the Falcons were beaten in three straight games, 30-23, 31-29, 30-26, at UW-Stout Wednesday night.

The Blue Devils came from behind in the last two games, including overcoming a seven point defecit in the final game, to send the Falcons to their second conference lost of the season. UWRF is now is 10-3 overall and 1-2 in the conference, while Stout improved to 11-2 overall and 3-1 in the conference.

The Falcons will play in the Eau Claire Invitational this weekend. Friday the Falcons play Coe at 6 p.m. and Edgeweeod at 8 p.m.

Volleyball Team Ranked 14th in AVCA Poll

Sept. 22, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team is ranked 14th in the Sept. 22 AVCA poll.

The Falcons moved up one spot from the Sept. 15 poll when they were ranked 15th. The Falcons finished 2-1 last week beating Northwestern (30-28, 28-30, 30-20, 30-18) and La Crosse (30-19, 30-24, 24-30, 30-25). The Falcons lost to Platteville (26-30, 26-30, 30-28, 30-28, 15-8). Platteville and La Crosse were both ranked in the poll going into action last weekend.

Wednesday the Falcons play another WIAC match at UW-Stout. Stout is ranked 16th in this week's poll. The Falcons will play in the Eau Claire Invitational this weekend.

There are six WIAC teams ranked in this week's poll. Platteville is 9th, Whitewater 11th, UWRF 14, La Crosse 15, Stout 16 and Oskkosh 20th.

Go to the AVCA poll.

Volleyball Team Bounces Back to Defeat La Crosse

Sept. 18, 2004

The Falcons won the first two games, 30-19 and 30-24, before finishing off the Eagles, 30-25, in the fourth game. The Falcons improved to 10-2 overall and 1-1 in the WIAC, while the Eagles fell to 9-3 and 1-2 in the conference.

The Falcons travel to UW-Stout on Wednesday with the action starting at 7p.m. UW-Stout will be coming off of a big win against Platteville.

Volleyball Team Drops WIAC Match to Platteville

Sept. 17, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team grabbed a two games to none lead, but finally lost, three games to two, to UW-Platteville Friday night at the Karges Center.

The Falcons won the first two games, 30-26 and 30-26. But UWP came back to take the next two, 30-28, 30-28. The Pioneers, ranked 10th in the Sept. 15 AVCA poll, won the deciding match, 15-8. The Pioneers improved to 11-0 while the Falcons now stand 9-2. It was the first WIAC match of the year for the Falcons and UWP improved to 2-0 in WIAC play.

Katie Thompson had her best effort as a Falcon finishing with 20 kills. She had three aces and eight digs. Nina Petersen had 14 kills, three aces, 17 digs and seven block assists. Logan Kiesch added 12 kills and a team-high 20 digs. Andrea Geehan finished with 11 kills and Lindsay Mace had 15 digs. Kat Krtnick led UWRF with 45 assists. Platteville's Andrea Coffman led her team with 17 kills.

The Falcons will host UW-La Crosse on Saturday at the Karges Center with action starting at 2 p.m. UWL won at UW-Stout on Friday, three games to one, and were ranked 13th in the Sept. 15 AVCA poll.

Volleyball Team Ranked 15th in Sept. 15 AVCA Poll

Sept. 16, 2004

The volleyball team is ranked 15th in the Sept. 15 AVCA poll.

The Falcons remained in the 15th spot after going 4-0 last week. Tuesday the Falcons improved their overall record to 9-1 win a win at Northwestern.

UWRF will host two teams ranked ahead of them this weekend at the Karges Center. Friday the Falcons host Platteville (7 p.m.) and Saturday La Crosse (2 p.m.) in the team's first WIAC matches of the season. The Falcons are the two-time defending WIAC regular season champions. Platteville was ranked 10th and La Crosse 13th in the Sept. 15 poll. Platteville is the only undefeated team in the WIAC, 10-0, while La Crosse enters the weekend 8-2 overall. UWP beat UWL, 30-27, 22-30, 31-29, 30-15, on Wednesday to open WIAC play for both teams.

The Falcons hold a slight, 22-21, lead in the all-time series against Platteville. La Crosse leads the Falcons, 29-22, in the all-time series between the team.

Go to the AVCA poll.

Volleyball Team Wins at Northwestern

Sept. 14, 2004

The volleyball team beat Northwestern, three games to one, Tuesday night and improved its record to 9-1.

The Falcons won the first game, 30-28, and lost the second by the same score. UWRF put the match away with 30-20 and 30-18 wins in games three and four.

Andrea Geehan led the Falcons with 18 kills and a .429 hitting percentage. She had 15 digs. Nina Petersen had another strong match finishing with 16 kills, one service ace, 13 digs, one solo block and nine block assists. Katie Thompson had 10 kills and led the Falcons with three aces and 19 digs. Kat Krtnick led UWRF with 49 assists and she had two aces and 12 digs. Ashley Monseng finished with four kills and 15 digs while Lindsay Mace had 18 digs. Gina Anderson had five kills and six block assists.

UWRF, now 9-1 overall, will open WIAC play this weekend at the Karges Center. Friday the Falcons host Platteville at 7 p.m. and La Crosse at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Volleyball Team Wins Four Straight at Hamline

Sept. 11, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team won all four matches it played at the Hamline Invitational held Friday and Saturday.

On Friday the Falcons beat St. Catherine (30-14, 30-27, 30-11) and Buena Vista (25-30, 30-20, 30-25, 17-30, 15-9). Saturday the Falcons came back to top Bethay Lutheran (30-27, 25-30, 30-23, 30-20) and Bethel (29-31, 30-26, 30-16, 25-30, 15-12).

Against St. Catherine, Nina Petersen led the Falcons wtih 12 kills. Logan Kiesch added nine. Kat Krtnick led the team with 28 assists and Kiesch led the Falcons with seven digs. Gina Anderson and Krtnick each had a solo block and two block assists.

Petersen had a big match against Buena Vista leading the Falcons with 26 kills. Melissa Jude had 13 kills, 33 digs and three aces. Krtnick led the Falcons with 59 assists. Kiesch had 23 digs and Krtnick had 20. Andrea Geehan, who finished with 11 kills, had one solo block and five block assists.

Saturday against Bethany Lutheran, Geehan led UWRF with 16 kills, one solo block and six block assists. Kiesch had 10 kills and 15 digs. Jude, who had eight kills, finished with a team high 29 digs. Krtnick had 42 assists and 15 digs. Lindsey Mace had 13 digs and Petersen had 11 kills.

In the team's win over Bethel, Jude led the team with 18 kills. Geehan had 15 kills, one solo block and five block assists. Petersen finished with 17 kills and 11 digs. Kiesch had 12 kills, 16 digs, a solo block and four block assists. Krtnick had 16 digs and 60 assists.

UWRF, now 8-1 overall and ranked 15th in the Sept. 8 AVCA poll, will play at Northwestern on Tuesday with the match starting at 7 p.m.

Volleyball Team Ranked 15th in Sept. 8 AVCA Poll

Sept. 10, 2004

The Falcon volleyball team was ranked 15th in the Sept. 8 AVCA poll.

UWRF was ranked No. 14 in the pre-season poll. The Falcons opened the season with a 4-1 record. The Falcons beat Bethel early in the week and over the weekend the Falcons finished 3-1 in the UWRF Invitational. The Falcons beat St. Olaf (3-1), Pacific Lutheran (3-0) and Macalester (3-2) and lost to Central (3-0). Pacific Luther and Central were ranked in the pre-season poll. Central was ranked 13th and Pacific Lutheran 20th in the Sept. 8 poll.

Other WIAC teams ranked include; La Crosse 8th, Whitewater 11th, Platteville 14th, Stout 17th and Oshkosh 24th.

The Falcons will compete in the Hamline Invitational this weekend. UWRF will play St. Catherine at 2 p.m. and Buena Vista at 6 p.m. on Friday. Saturday the Falcons face Bethany Lutheran at 12:30 p.m. and Bethel at 2:30 p.m.

Volleyball Team Splits in Second Day of Falcon Invite

Sept. 4, 2004

The 14th-ranked UW-River Falls volleyball team knocked off Macalester, 31-33, 30-15, 30-21, 29-31, 15-6, and lost to 13th-ranked Central, 30-26, 30-17, 30-20, at the Falcon Invitational held at the Karges Center Saturday.

Against Macalester, seniors Nina Petersen and Melissa Jude led the way with 17 kills apiece. Sophomore middle hitter Andrea Geehan chipped in 12. Petersen and Jude showed their defensive skills as well, with 17 and 15 digs respectively. Senior outside hitter Logan Kiesch led the team with 21 digs. Sophomore setter Kat Krtnick scattered 49 assists through the five games.

The Falcons weren't as impressive against Central. Geehan and Petersen tallied just eight kills apiece. Krtnick tallied 26 assists and 10 digs. Kiesch led the team with 13 digs. Head coach Patti Ford tried something different against Central by trying a different libero in each game. Freshman Lindsey Mace started the first game, Kiesch filled the role in the second game and sophomore Tressa Gustafson played the third.

The Falcons are now 4-1 on the season and nest play in a tournament at Hamline Sept. 10-11.

Volleyball Team Beats St. Olaf, Pacific Lutheran at Falcon Invite

Sept. 3, 2004

The 14th-ranked UW-River Falls volleyball team knocked off St. Olaf, 25-30, 30-19, 30-19, 30-24, and 20th-ranked Pacific Lutheran, 30-22, 30-22, 30-21, at the Falcon Invitational held at the Karges Center Friday.

Seniors Logan Kiesch and Nina Petersen led the UW-River Falls volleyball team to the two wins with 17 kills apiece. Kiesch, an outside hitter, also led the team in digs in both matches with 27 total. Petersen, a right side hitter, tallied six block assists and one block solo on the day. Sophomore setter Kat Krtnick spread the ball out well for Falcon hitters with 77 assists Friday. Kiesch and Petersen shared kills with two middle hitters, senior Gina Anderson and sophomore Andrea Geehan, who each pounded 16 kills in the two matches. Geehan had five block assists and a block solo in just the St. Olaf match alone.

The Falcons are now 3-0 on the season. The Falcon Invitational resumes Saturday. The Falcons face Macalester at 9:30 a.m. and 13th-ranked Central at 1:30 p.m.

Volleyball Team Sweeps Bethel in Opener

Sept. 1, 2004

The 14th-ranked UW-River Falls volleyball team easily disposed of Bethel in three games, 30-19, 30-20, 30-24, in the Falcons' opener at the Karges Center Wednesday night.

Senior right side hitter Nina Petersen led the Falcons in kills with 13 and a .571 hitting percentage while senior outside hitter Melissa Jude pounded 11 kills. Senior Logan Kiesch led the team in digs with 16 while Jude and Lindsay Mace chipped in 14 and 13 respectively. Sophomore Kat Krtnick quarterbacked the team to victory in her setting debut with 39 assists.

The Falcons are now 1-0 on the season and will play host to the Falcon Invitational Friday and Saturday at the Karges Center. The first match is at 2 p.m. UWRF will play St. Olaf at 4 p.m. and Pacific Lutheran at 8 p.m. On Saturday play starts at 9:30 a.m. The Falcons face Macalester at 9:30 a.m. and play Central at 1:30 p.m. Go to the entire Invitational schedule.

Sept. 1, 2004

On paper, spring commencement decimated the Falcon volleyball team. All-American hitters Melissa Tvrdik and Krystle Brune are done, taking with them the team’s top two setters, and four other senior talents from last season’s 35-6 WIAC championship team.

A year ago, whispers of a national championship were in the air, not to mention a conference crown. This season, a few much-improved teams are licking their chops and looking forward to a WIAC match against the 14th-ranked Falcons. UW-RF Coach Patti Ford said this year will be one of the strongest for the WIAC and hopes to be in the title hunt again.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if the conference champs end up with more than one loss," Ford said. "We’d like to be conference champs, but we’re going to have to fight tooth and nail. It will be a crapshoot."

To have a chance, the Falcons will need their returning defensive core to remain solid through the year and timing between setters and hitters will need to improve steadily throughout the year. The fairly new group of players will also have to find a way to mesh as they learn their new roles and responsibilities on the court, Ford said.

"Athletically, we’re as strong as we’ve ever been," Ford said. "They’re just untested."

Despite losing Tvrdik, the Falcons return two middle hitters, 6-1 sophomore Andrea Geehan and 5-8 senior Gina Anderson. Geehan received some playing time as a freshman and Anderson’s experience is beginning to shine through, Ford said. Sophomore Kiah Sagami and freshman Susie Ingalls will come off the bench to fill in at the middle position when needed.

The outside hitter position will feature four players with superb passing skills and surprising hitting power. Sophomore Katie Thompson will pack a strong punch at the net while seniors Logan Kiesch and Melissa Jude will bring a strong all-around game. Freshman Ashley Moseng will come off the bench to give teams a different look.

"With such great all-around players, we won’t have to make as many substitutions as we did last year," Ford said. "Just about anyone I put out there can pass and play defense. I can save some of my subs for strategic points in a game or to change up their rhythm."

The right side hitter position belongs to standout senior Nina Petersen, who will also be the team’s on- and off-court leader.

"She will be one of the dominate players in the WIAC, if not nationally," Ford said. "Her personality is even keeled. She has a physically strong stature and, being left handed, she brings a lot of power from the right side. She has everything, physically and socially, to lead this team."

Sophomore Molly Thompson will be Petersen’s understudy and may come in to give the senior a rest once in a while, but Ford said she doesn’t anticipate Petersen leaving the court very often.

At libero, a new rule takes effect this season that allows the defensive specialist to serve. At least two players, Lindsey Mace and Tressa Gustafson, will compete for the starting libero position. Last year, Kat Krtnick, as a freshman, shared time with senior Jen Braun at that position and may be called upon to fill in again this year, but Ford has big plans for Krtnick as the team’s top setter.

"We’re going with Kat right now," Ford said. "She will do an excellent job running the show. She is the best athlete we have and she knows the game the best. Kat will shine wherever we put her. Once she gets acclimated, I think she can be an All-Conference setter."

Transfer junior Barbie Soine may also set for the Falcons during the year.

"I’m very pleased with the energy level in the gym," Ford said. "Everyone is accepting their roles as they’re changing. They’re buying into whatever they have to do to compete in the strong conference."

The Falcons begin their season at home on Wednesday against Bethel in the Karges Center starting at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday they will host the Falcon Invitational with No. 13 Central (Iowa), Gustavus-Adolphus, Macalester, St. Olaf, UW-Stout and No. 20 Pacific Lutheran visiting.

Aug. 25, 2004

The 2004 Falcon volleyball team is ranked 14th in the AVCA Div. III Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll released Wednesday.

Four WIAC teams were ranked. La Crosse is 10th, Whitewater is tied for 11th and Oshkosh is 23rd in the poll.

UWRF finished 35-6 in 2003 and tied (with La Crosse) for the WIAC regular season title with a 7-1 record. Nina Petersen, Melissa Jude, Logan Kiesch and Gina Anderson are all seniors on this year's team.

The Falcons open their season on Sept. 1 when they host Bethel at 7 p.m. at the Karges Center. UWRF will then host the Falcon Invitational on Sept. 3-4. Two other teams ranked in the preseason poll will also play in the tourney - No. 13 Central, Iowa and No. 20 Pacific Lutheran - will be part of the seven team field. Action starts at 2 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Go to the tourney schedule.

Washington, Mo., University is the top ranked team in the preseason poll.

Go to the AVCA poll.