Griffins open WUSTL Invitational play

St. Louis, Mo. - It was a tough night for women's volleyball tonight as the Griffins fell in three sets to Buenva Vista University and No. 4-ranked Carthage College to open the Washington University - St. Louis Invitational.

Buena Vista accumulated an astounding 54 kills to Fontbonne's 17. The Griffins stayed in the game due to 15 service errors by the Iowa team, ultimately falling 17-25, 18-25 and 22-25. Holly Richter played her role at the net, making two solo blocks and connecting with Kristina Eason for a third block. Senior Carissa Dodge made the only other solo block at the net for Fontbonne.

In the second game of the night, Fontbonne tried to overtake ranked Carthage in the second set, but Carthage refused to let up. Fontbonne's second loss of the night came with a score of 18-25, 20-25 and 10-25. All players were held under 10 kills with three players, including Griffin Kersten McDonough, who totaled nine kills. The Griffins combined for 10 blocks against the Lady Reds, their second-most of the season.

Saturday Fontbonne will conclude play at the invitational, but will take on two more very talented teams, trying to gear up for St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition. The Griffins will face off against No. 14-ranked Elmhurst College at 10am followed by Whitworth at noon. Whitworth received votes during the last American Volleyball Coaches Association poll and defeated a team tonight who earned more votes, making them another dangerous team at the invitational.