RIVER FALLS, Wis. (uwrfsports.com) – The Falcons finished out the UWRF Fall Invitational with two tough losses to the College of St. Benedict in four sets and a 0-3 loss to Hamline University.
 
In match one against the Blazers, the Falcons won the first set 25-21.  They got out to an early run and led 18-13.  The Blazers shrunk the lead to 21-22 but back to back kills by Karli Nielsen and Mallory Griffin followed by a block by Nielsen and Dakotah Poitra ended the set.  The Falcons outhit the Blazers .130-.043 in the set.  St. Bens bounced back from the first set loss and easily took sets two through four winning 25-11, 25-12, and 25-19. 
 
Karli Nielsen was the leading attacker for the Falcons with ten kills and a .227 hitting percentage.  She also added four blocks.  Hannah Striggow had nine kills and 11 digs. Defensively Hannah Robb led the Falcons with 17 digs and Dakotah Poitra added 14. 
 
In match two of the day, the Falcons lost in three sets to Hamline University.  The Falcons lost set one 22-25.  In the second set, the Falcons led from the start but the Pipers went on a seven point run that put them ahead and gave them the 25-22 win.  In set three, it was a similar situation with the Falcons leading most of the set until the end when the Pipers went on a four point run to win 25-22.
 
Nielsen and Poitra led the Falcons with nine kills each.  Nielsen had the top attack percentage hitting .316.   Hannah Striggow and Hannah Robb each had 12 digs. 
 
The Falcons move to 7-6 on the season and will host UW-Eau Claire Wednesday September 19^th.  The match will be the start of WIAC competition for the Falcons, The match will begin at 7 pm at Page Arena.