GRINNELL, Iowa - The Ripon volleyball team began Saturday with their first conference loss of the season, falling in four sets to Grinnell College. They would rebound from that to defeat North Central (Minn.) in three sets during a non-conference match to end the day.

The Red Hawks' match against Grinnell (7-8, 1-1 MWC) featured 26 ties and seven lead changes. Fifteen of those ties came in the first set, which was won by the Pioneers 25-22, which was the exact score that Grinnell would win the second set by as well. Ripon took the third frame 25-19, before the Pioneers finished off the match with a 25-18 victory in the fourth set.

Ripon was led by Kat Kulas' 19 kills and a hitting percentage of .594. Katie Berrell added 15 kills, to go along with five assists and a team-high 20 digs. Abbi Williamson led the team with 36 assists, while Brianna Rizzuto notched a match-high four service aces.

The Red Hawks (12-6, 1-1 MWC) had a much easier time in their second match of the day, disposing of North Central (7-9) by a score of 25-14, 26-24, 25-17. Berrell led Ripon with 15 kills, while Paige Buddenhagen posted 10. Williamson led the team with 12 assists, with Rizzuto and Stacie Klika notching 14 digs apiece.

Ripon will be in action again Friday at 7 p.m. when they'll host Illinois College for what will be their annual 'Play For The Cure' game. All fans are asked to wear pink to the game to support cancer awareness, with donations collected throughout the night.