ROCK ISLAND, IL - The fifth-ranked UW-Eau Claire volleyball team took care of business on the first day of the Augustana Invitational as it defeated Augsburg College (MN) in three games and St. Ambrose University (IA) in four games.

In the Blugolds first match of the night, Eau Claire defeated Augsburg in three games: 30-26, 30-19, 30-20. Ashley Danielson (Sr.-Cadott, WI) had 14 kills and a .667 attack percentage to lead the Blugolds. She also had nine blocks.

The win improved the Blugolds record to 14-1 overall. Augustana fell to a record of 6-10 overall. It was the 11th sweep of the season for Eau Claire. The Blugolds are now 22-3 all-time against Augsburg and have won the last 20 matches.

The Blugolds next opponent was St. Ambrose. St. Ambrose, coming off of a five-game match just prior to the contest against the Blugolds, was dominated in the first game losing 30-12. St. Ambrose then came back to win the second game 30-23. The Blugolds then won a close third game 31-29. UWEC closed it out in the fourth game winning 30-19.

Jessica Groh (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/North) and Jodi Dunbar (Sr.-Platteville, WI) led the Blugolds with 21 kills.

The Blugolds are 15-1 overall and have won eight matches in a row. The Blugolds won 11 straight matches at one point last year. St. Ambrose falls to 14-7 overall. It was the first-ever matchup between the two schools.

The Augustana Invitational concludes tomorrow as the Blugolds will face the host Augustana College (IL) at 10 a.m. They will then face Loras College (IA) at noon.

- JR -