The women's volleyball team earned a thrilling 3-2 win over WIAC rival UW-Stout on Wednesday in Menomonie as Courtney Preiner (Oakdale, MN, Hill-Murray) became the first Falcon to record over 2,000 digs in her career.

Preiner had 22 digs on the night to move over 2,000 in her illustrious career.  Her 22 digs led UWRF throughout the match.

Erin Green (Fridley, MN, Fridley), who leads the WIAC in kills, led the Falcons in the match with 22 kills.  Green also led the Falcons with three ace blocks.

Brianna Muetzel (Oakdale, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) added 17 kills as UWRF improved to 4-1 in the WIAC. 

Mackenzie Suda (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) helped the Falcons to 50 set assists.  As a team, the Falcons had 53 assists compared to Stout's 32.

The Falcons opened the match with an exciting come-from behind victory, taking set one 26-24.  UWRF would take that momentum into the second set, as they came away with the 25-19 victory to take a 2-0 lead.  However, Stout would take the next two sets, 14-25 and 15-25 to force the deciding game five, where the Falcons prevailed 15-13.

The Falcons were able to earn a hard-fought road win despite being out-blocked 12.5-4.

Win the win, the Falcons improve to 17-6 overall and 4-1 in the WIAC. Stout falls to 10-10 and 2-3 in the conference.

The Falcons will return to Stout as they participate in the UW-Stout Invite on Friday.  UWRF will take on St. Mary's College starting at 3:30 p.m., followed by St. Olaf at 5:30 p.m.

Box score