Box Score vs. Fontbonne
Box Score vs. Augustana (Ill.)

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - The Ripon volleyball team began their 2013 season on a positive note at Friday's Augustana (Ill.) Invitational, defeating Fontbonne in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22, marking the first time they've opened the season with a victory in four years. The Red Hawks also put up a fight in the second match of the night, before falling to Augustana in four sets, 18-25, 25-18, 23-25, 18-25.

In the first match of the day, Karlye Wehner and Allison Barnes provided a dominant effort up front, recording 16 and 15 kills, respectively. Barnes also posted a team-high 16 digs, while Wehner added a pair of service aces. Brianne Milroy led the team with four service aces, to go along with 15 digs. Fontbonne was led by Emily Weaver's 12 kills.

Ripon didn't fare as well in their second match of the day, as they fell to the host team, Augustana. Emily Gary led the Red Hawks with seven kills in the match, while Wehner added six.Wehner also added nine digs, while Milroy led the team with 29.

The Red Hawks will be back in action on Saturday for day two of the Augustana Invitational. Ripon will play Westminster (Mo.) and St. Ambrose (Iowa) at Noon and 2 p.m., respectively.