LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Ripon volleyball team closed out the UWL Tournament on Saturday, falling 3-0 to Wisconsin-River Falls before ending the weekend against Simpson. Emily Braun came on strong in the nightcap, racking up a season-high 23 assists against the Storm.
 
The Red Hawks fell by set scores of 25-20, 25-23 and 25-10 in Saturday's opener, with Inesha Wiseman's nine kills leading the way. Sam Thrasher came away with 17 digs, but Ripon was unable to overcome a strong day from Falcon hitter Kameri Meredith, who led all players with 20 kills. 
 
In Ripon's best set of the day, the second set against the Falcons, the Red Hawks rattled off a 6-0 run to take a 14-11 lead, but UW-River Falls was able to claw their way back into the match. 
 
Ripon finished the weekend with their second match this fall against Simpson, but the Storm came away with a 3-0 victory behind a strong day from Jessica Jacobs. The Red Hawks spread the wealth offensively, while Thrasher again led the team in digs and Braun came out of nowhere to record a career day.
 
Ripon back home for its next five matches, as the Red Hawks are set to host the Red Hawks Invitational next weekend. The first action comes on Friday, when Ripon hosts Saint Mary's at 5 before following up with another match against the same squad.