WAUKESHA, Wis. - Ripon's volleyball conference opener couldn't have been closer, as Ripon defeated Carroll in five sets with each set being decided by two points. The Red Hawks won the first two sets 25-23, before losing the second two frames by identical 25-23 scores. Ripon then dug deep to win the fifth and deciding set by a score of 16-14. The match featured 28 ties and 16 lead changes, with nine ties and six lead changes coming during the final set.

The Red Hawks were led by Allison Barnes' 17 kills, 12 digs, and two block solos. Paige Buddenhagen added 15 kills, while Emily Gary chipped in with 14 kills. Abbi Williamson led all players with 53 assists, giving her 2,431 for her career, which moves her into fourth place in school history, just 11 shy of the third-highest total. Stacie Klika led the Red Hawks in digs, with 23.

Carroll was led by 19 kills from Caitlin Dolan, while Kelly Sloyan added 17. Taylor Kuehl led the Pioneers with 51 assists, to go along with 12 digs. Carroll held the team blocks advantage, 12-4.

With the win, Ripon is one of just three teams in the Midwest Conference to remain undefeated in conference play. The Red Hawks will try to keep things going on Tuesday when they'll play one of those other two remaining unbeatens, as they'll travel to St. Norbert College. That match will begin at 7 p.m. in De Pere and is a rematch of a non-conference match earlier in the season that Ripon won in three sets.