The Falcon volleyball team opened their 2012 season with a 3-1 record at the Northwestern Invitational in St. Paul.  The Falcons opened with convincing wins over Grinnell, Buena Vista and Bethel, before falling to host school Northwestern in the final game of the tournament.
 
In the first match UWRF won 25-17, 25-11 and 25-16 over Grinnell for the 3-0 sweep. 
 
Erin Green (Fridley, MN, Fridley) led the way with 14 kills in 23 attempts for a .609 attacking percentage.  She also had five service aces to lead the Falcons on offense.  Teammate Jean Theis (Shakopee, MN, Shakopee) added 10 kills.
 
Although it would take four sets in game two, the Falcons prevailed over Buena Vista 3-1 with scores of 16-25, 25-15, 25-16 and 25-1.
 
It was Green again who led the Falcons offensive attack.  She pounded out 15 kills throughout the match.  She also had four ace blocks.  Mackenzie Suda (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) added 34 set assists and eight digs to lead UWRF.
 
In the third match of the tournament, the Falcons swept Bethel by scores of 25-20, 25-21 and 25-14.
 
Green continued her dominance on the court, again pounding out 15 kills. She was one of three Falcons throughout the match to reach double-digit kills.  Theis added 11 and freshman Brianna Muetzel (Oakdale, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) also slammed 11. 
 
Suda added 41 set assists and Courtney Preiner (Oakdale, MN, Hill-Murray) led the Falcon defense with 19 digs.
 
The fourth and final match of the day was a back-and-forth five set match in which the Falcons fell 3-2 to host school Northwestern.  Game scores were 17-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-10 and 15-9.
 
Three Falcons again reached double-digit kills.  Theis led the way with 18, followed by Muetzel with a career-high 15. Green followed with 13.  Suda aided the Falcon offense with a season-high 52 assists.
 
The Falcons were stellar on defense, racking up 79 digs throughout the match.  Preiner led the way with 22, while Danielle Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) added 18 and Hayley Buchanan (Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie) 11.
 
The Falcons were hurt by 11 service errors and 14 blocks by Northwestern. 

Green was named to the all-tournament team.
 
The Falcons will compete next at the Hamline Tournament.  They will take on Presentation at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7.
 
Grinnell Box Score
Buena Vista Box Score
Bethel Box Score
Northwestern Box Score