Volleyball splits four matches at Barker Classic III

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Concordia University Wisconsin earned a pair of victories on Friday evening before dropping its final two matches on Saturday at the Barker Classic III hosted by Illinois Wesleyan University.

The Falcons defeated Simpson College 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22) and North Park University 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-13) on the opening day Friday. They were then defeated by Millikin University 3-1 (23-25, 14-25, 25-14, 18-25) and UW-Eau Claire 3-0 (10-25, 16-25, 24-26) to end the tournament with a 2-2 record.

Junior Hannah Griffiths (Antigo, Wis.) led the team with 53 kills and her offensive performance was impressive as she finished with a .374 attack percentage in the four contests. Griffiths as named All-Barker Classic III for her efforts.

Freshman Karina Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) had a team-high 77 assists and eight service aces, while junior Carley Valentine (De Pere, Wis.) recorded 58 assists, 23 kills and 23 digs.

The offensive attack was again balanced as five players smashed over 20 kills.

Defensively, Griffiths led CUW (14-18) with 49 digs, while sophomore Kelsa Rubeck (Eau Claire, Wis.) dug 37 attack attempts. Junior Britta Duchow (Potter, Wis.) had 11 total blocks, one solo. The Falcons recorded 26.5 total blocks as a team, compared to their opponents 19 total blocks.

CUW returns to action on Tuesday at Lakeland College at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament.

Barker Classic III All-Tournament Team
Torey Buenger, Simpson
Hannah Griffins, Concordia Wisconsin
Shelby Switzer, North Park
Kinzie Schweigert, Illinois Wesleyan
Maggie Holcombe, UW-Eau Claire
Alexis Wong, UW-Eau Claire