STEVENS POINT, Wis. - The Ripon volleyball team lost their first match of the UW-Stevens Point Pointers Invitational Friday afternoon, falling to Bethel (Minn.) University in three sets, but rebounded to win their second match of the day in a three-set victory over John Carroll University.

Against Bethel (7-0), the Red Hawks (2-5) lost the first set 25-22, before dropping the next two 25-15, 25-16. Bethel recorded double-digit kills in each set, including 18 in the final frame. The Red Hawks were led by Katie Berrell's seven kills, while Allison Barnes posted five kills and four digs. Maddie Koster led the team with 12 digs, while Abbi Williamson added seven digs and a team-high 23 assists.

Things got better for the Red Hawks in their second match of the day, defeating John Carroll, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15. Ripon registered at least 12 kills in all three of those sets, finishing the match with a hitting percentage of .257. Berrell again led the team in kills, with 11, while Emily Gary and Kat Kulas each finished with eight. Kulas also posted a hitting percentage of .583. Williamson chipped in with team-highs of 13 digs and 27 assists.

"Our middles found their rhythm against John Carroll and it made all the difference in the world," Ripon Head Coach Katie Astrauskas said. "Our defense also played really well. Courtney Bloomer was tough as nails in the back row and it all just came together."

The Red Hawks will try to build on that victory on Saturday when they'll take part in the second and final day of the Pointers Invitational. Ripon will face Hamline University and Concordia (Minn.) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.