Erin Green (Fridley, MN, Fridley), the reigning WIAC player of the week, pounded out 21 kills to lead the Falcons to a 3-1 victory in their WIAC opener against UW-La Crosse at the Karges Center.  Game scores were 25-18, 28-26, 22-25, and 25-22.

Green was 21 -38 for a .421 kill percentage to give the Falcons their 12th win in 14 games.

Jean Theis (Shakopee, MN, Shakopee) and Brianna Muetzel (Oakdale, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) also had a strong match for the Falcons, as they each added 11 kills apiece in front of a home crowd of 142. Theis, Green and Mackenzie Suda (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) also added three ace blocks for UWRF.  As a team, the Falcons had 11 ace blocks compared to UWL's seven.

Suda also led the Falcons with 48 set assists.  She has led the Falcons in assists in all 14 of UWRF's matches.  For the night, Suda had 48 set assists, three ace blocks, three ace serves and 11 digs for a complete performance.

The Falcon defense was also strong and well-balanced.  Hayley Buchanan (Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie) led the Falcons with a season's best 14 digs. Courtney Preiner (Oakdale, MN, Hill-Murray) added 13 and Suda 11. UWRF had 57 digs compared with the Eagles' 49.

Each team had six ace serves.  Suda led the way with three.  UWL was hurt by 15 service aces.  The Falcons meanwhile, only had seven.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 12-2 overall and 1-0 in the WIAC.  UWL meanwhile, falls to 8-7 and 0-1 in the conference.The Falcons are now 27-35 all-time against UWL and are 4-1 at home this season.  UWRF is currently on a four-game winning streak.

Up next for the Falcons is another home match.  UWRF will take on UW-Platteville at noon on Saturday at the Karges Center.  The Falcons are 24-30 all-time against the Pioneers.

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