RIPON, Wis. - Ripon's volleyball team played two grueling matches on Friday during day one of the two-day Red Hawks Invitational, but they were able to pull out the victory in each match, improving their season record to 8-3. They defeated St. Catherine in five sets (20-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-18, 15-9), before disposing of the University of Dubuque in four sets (18-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-22).

The day's first match was the definition of a see-saw battle, as it featured an incredible 29 ties and 16 lead changes. Ripon recorded double-digit kills in all but the first set, while recording a team hitting percentage of .255. The Red Hawks were led by Paige Buddenhagen's 16 kills, while Aubreigh Zimmerman posted a career-high of 13 kills. Kat Kulas and Katie Berrell added 12 and 11 kills, respectively, while Berell and Stacie Klika led the team with 19 digs. Abbi Williamson finished with a match-high 50 assists, which is the seventh time that Ripon's all-time assists leader has reached that mark in a single match.

In the nightcap, Ripon lost their first set to University of Dubuque (4-6), but rebounded to win the next three. The Red Hawks recorded double-digit kills in all four sets, while posting a hitting percentage of .179. Buddenhagen led the way with 15 kills, while Kulas and Berrell had 13 and 12 kills, respectively. Maddie Koster led the team with 18 digs, while Berrell had 17 and Abbi Williamson led the team with 41 assists.

The Red Hawks will try to continue their winning ways on Saturday with they'll face Alverno and Saint Mary's (Minn.) at 12 and 2 p.m., respectively, in the second and final day of the Red Hawks Invitational.