RIVER FALLS - The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team rebounded from two losses yesterday to win 3-2 over Bethel and 3-0 over the College of St. Scholastica here today at the UW-River Falls Trick or Treat Invitational.

The Blugolds were sluggish coming out today with the early match following two late matches last night losing the opening game to Bethel 30-18. Eau Claire had only nine kills in 42 attacks for a -.024 hitting percentage.

Eau Claire fought back to win the next two 30-27 and 30-23 despite a .089 hitting percentage in the third game to go up 2-1. Bethel came back to even the game score at 2-2 with a 30-18 win before the Blugolds closed out the win with a 16-14 decision.

Molly Menard (Jr.-Eau Claire/Memorial) led three Blugolds in double digit kills with 14 while Becca Carstensen (Sr.-Eau Claire/Memorial) added 12 and Jessica Groh (So.-Eau Claire/North) 11.

Carly Freiborg (So.-Sacred Heart, MN/Renville County West) led in assists with 52 with Shanna Berger (So.-Baldwin/Baldwin-Woodville) leading with 26 digs. The Blugold defense was tough blocking 23 shots. Groh led with seven blocks while Jenny Wolter (Jr.-Osceola) and Carstensen added six.

Eau Claire defeated St. Scholastica 3-0 for the second time in a week. The Blugolds breezed through the Saints with 30-18, 30-16 and 30-24 wins.

Carstensen and Wolter led the Blugold attack with 11 kills a piece while Freiborg led in assists with 33. Heather Harnell (Fr.-Minnetonka, MN) led in digs with 12.

The wins today conclude Eau Claire's regular season record at 20-10.

The Blugolds will be in action next when they compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Quarterfinals Tuesday. Eau Claire will travel to Platteville to take on the Pioneers at 7 p.m. The Blugolds won 3-2 earlier this year in Platteville.

Eau Claire-Bethel Match Statistics

Eau Claire-St. Scholastica Match Statistics

Tournament Website

- JL -