Box Score 1 | Box Score 2  | UW-Eau Claire Tournament Site |
 
The St. Catherine University volleyball team opened up its 2012 campaign with a tough schedule against two of last year's Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) co-champions, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Steven's Point, at the UW-Eau Claire Labor Day Classic, and fell to 0-2 to start the season.
 
“Both (opponents) were solid teams and we didn't play like we're capable,” said Head Coach Corey Phelps. “We struggled in serve receiving and didn't serve like we normally do.”
 
Senior hitter Brittni Wangerin (Prior Lake, Minn.), who was a 2011 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) All-Conference pick, led the offensive attack for the Wildcats with 19 kills and 18 digs. Fellow senior hitter Stephanie Meschke (Faribault, Minn.) also chipped in 14 kills and 9 digs on the day.
 
Sophomore Jordyn Wentland (Blaine, Minn.) led the team with 24 assists, while senior libero Nicole Pothen (Faribault, Minn.)) contributed defensively with 18 digs.
 
In the first match of the day, the Wildcats fell in three sets, thanks to the strong play of several returners for the Blugolds. Senior Annie Satterlee led the opposition with 16 kills, six digs and five assists.
 
Though the Wildcats' effort came up short, they managed to keep the first set close (25-20) behind the play of several returners.  Wangerin led the way with 10 kills and 12 digs, while Meschke chipped in eight kills and six digs.
 
The second match proved to be an even tougher challenge for the Wildcats as UW-Steven's Point also took the match in straight sets.
 
Wangerin again led the Wildcats with nine kills, while senior Marie O'Neil (St. Michael, Minn.) added five kills, three digs and one solo block.
 
Miranda Krenske (Faribault, Minn.) was the top first-year player for the Wildcats on the day, adding six kills, one dig and one block assist in her rookie debut.
 
The Wildcats look to come back from a difficult first day of tournament play as they take on UW-Stout tomorrow at 12:15 p.m., followed immediately by a match against Martin Luther College at 2:30 p.m.
 
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