PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The Edgewood College volleyball team opened play at the UW-Platteville Invitational on Friday with a split decision in their first two matches. The Eagles controlled Ripon College in the first match of the day claiming a 25-14, 25-15, 25-21 victory, but couldn't solve undefeated St. Norbert College, falling 25-19, 25-22, 25-20.

Against Ripon College, the Eagles kept the Red Hawks off balance with their service game. Edgewood College (4-3) recorded seven aces, including three from freshman Jordan Winkler. Winkler shared team-high honors in kills with senior Mallory Palmer with eight apiece. Winkler had just one attack error and a .500 hitting percentage for the match. Jessica Martin chipped in six kills. Rachel Thomsen led the team in digs with 12, while Lindsey Swansby doled out 27 assists.

The second match proved to be a much tougher challenge. St. Norbert College held the Eagles at bay with nine blocks, led by Danielle Remy who took part in six of those. Martin and Palmer provided the offense with 11 and 10 kills, respectively, but 23 attack errors by Edgewood College proved too much to overcome. Sam Himmelspach totaled a team-high 16 digs, with Swansby dishing out 34 assists. Palmer completed a double-double with 11 digs to go with her 10 kills.

Edgewood College will get two cracks at Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference programs on Saturday at the UW-Platteville Invitational. The Eagles will face Simpson College, who they have already beaten once this season, at 10:00 a.m. before wrapping up the day with a noon match against Loras College.