The Falcon volleyball team had a tough start to its 2010 season on Wednesday night losing at Bethel University, three sets to one.

UWRF fell behind early losing the first set 25-13. They evened it up by winning the second set 25-19 but Bethel took control and won the last two set, 25-19 and 27-25. In the team's second set win they hit a sparkling .342. But in sets one and three the Falcons hit .000. UWRF finished with a .154 hitting percentage in the four sets.

The Falcons were led by Erin Green (Fridley, MN, Fridley) who had 13 kills, a solo block and three block assists. Danielle Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) also contributed to the Falcon cause with eight kills and 14 digs. Jean Theis (Shakopee, MN, Shakopee), playing in her first collegiate match, finished with seven kills, two solo blocks and two block assists.

Mackenzie Suda (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) led the team with 18 assists and two service aces. Hayley Buchanan (Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie) finished with 14 assists. Courtney Preiner (Oakdale, MN, Hill-Murray) led the Falcons with 17 digs.

BU's Amy Werner led all players with 21 kills. Hannah Parks and Valerie Smith each had 14 digs for the Royals who now lead in the all-time series between the two teams, 33-17.

River Falls, 0-1 overall, will compete this weekend at the Muskie Classic at Lakeland College in Sheboygan. On Friday they play Millikin University at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday the Falcons play Lakeland at 10 a.m., and UW-Oshkosh at noon.

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