EAU CLAIRE - The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team defeated St. Catherine's and Hamline 3-0 at the first day of the Labor Day Tournament held here today at the McPhee Phy. Ed. Center.

The Blugolds cruised through their opening match against St. Kate's winning 30-22, 30-18, 30-17. Eau Claire had a strong second game converting on 17 of 26 attacks for a .615 hitting percentage.

Jenny Wolter (Jr.-Osceola) had ten kills on only 11 attacks for a .909 hitting percentage with Becca Carstensen (Sr.-Eau Claire/Memorial) contributing ten kills as well.

Carly Freiborg (So.-Sacred Heart, MN/Renville County West) set well all match with 40 assists while contributing seven kills. Shanna Berger (So.-Baldwin, MN/Baldwin-Woodville) led in digs with 9 while Jessica Groh (So.-Eau Claire/North) led in blocks with five.

Eau Claire got off to a slow start against Hamline converting on only 16 of 36 attacks but still had enough to win the opening game 30-26. The Blugolds increased their hitting percentage in the next two games winning both 30-17.

Carstensen paved the way with 11 kills on 20 attacks for a .450 hitting percentage. Freiborg once again led the way in assists with 33.

Heather Harnell (Fr.-Minnetonka, MN) led Eau Claire in digs with 18 with Carstensen and Laura Voith (Fr.-Milwaukee/Shorewood) each serving up four aces.

Augsburg also went 2-0 on the day while St. Kate's and UM-Morris went 1-1 and Hamline and Lawrence went 0-2.

The Blugolds will resume action tomorrow when they square off against Augsburg at 11 a.m. and Lawrence at 1 p.m.

Labor Day Tournament Web Site