ST. PAUL, Minn. (Duhawks.com) - Following a split on day one of the Northwestern Labor Day Tournament, the Duhawks were handed two consecutive losses on Saturday, Sept. 5. Loras was unable to hang on in five sets against host Northwestern 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 25-21, 23-25, 8-15) and were defeated 3-1 by Saint Benedict (25-21, 24-26, 17-25, 18-25).

For the second time in three matches, the Duhawks (2-3) ended up going to five sets, but were unable to earn the same result on Saturday. Loras finished the match with a better hitting percentage (.194/.177) than Northwestern (3-2) but were outhit in the final set when it mattered the most. With five errors in set five, the Duhawks finished the set with a .000 hitting percentage compared to .250 from the Eagles. Loras finished the match with more points, kills, and assists than their opponent.

Freshman Claire Ritchie and sophomore Haley Bergan each continued their strong tournament play against Northwestern. Ritchie finished with nine kills, 27 assists, and 10 digs, while Bergan provided consistent defense with 27 digs. Bergan finished the tournament with 81 digs in three matches.

Despite strong efforts from junior Therese Schultz (16 kills), freshman Ali Clark (25 digs), and Ritchie (20 assists), the Duhawks fell short of victory against Saint Benedict (1-2). Loras appeared to bounce back from their five set loss to Northwestern by winning the first set 25-21, with 18 kills spread out amongst seven players. The timely hitting ended there, unfortunately, as the Duhawk attack went cold, hitting .042 over the next three sets to fall 3-1.

Two Duhawks were named to the All-Tournament team following the conclusion of the days matches. Bergan's 81 digs over the course of three matches earned her a nod, while Ritchie was selected due to her consistent play throughout each of her four matches. Ritchie finished the weekend with two triple-doubles.

KEY MOMENTS
Set 1 | LOR/UNW | Mid-way through the first set, the Duhawks rattled off a 4-0 run to give them the necessary separation needed to each the set victory
Set 3 | LOR/UNW | A series of three Eagle attacking errors sparked a 6-2 Duhawk run to finish off the third set
Set 4 | LOR/UNW | Down 23-16 in set four, Loras brought the set back to 24-23 before conceding the set to the Eagles
Set 5 | LOR/UNW | Loras gave UNW nine points by way of service, attacking, and setting errors in the final set
Set 1 | LOR/CSB | Trailing 10-8 in the first, Loras went on a 5-0 to give them the breathing room necessary to win the set
Set 2 | LOR/CSB | Two attacking errors on the Duhawks with the set squared away at 24 cost Loras
Set 3 | LOR/CSB | The Blazers started the set on a 8-2 run which set the tone for the rest of the set
Set 4 | LOR/CSB | With the Duhawks trailing 18-17, the Blazers went on a 7-1 run to finish the set and the match

THE FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE DAY
Claire Ritchie | Ritchie finished the day with 20 kills, 48 assists, and 21 digs. She notched her second career triple-double against St. Benedict with 11/20/11.

UP NEXT
The Duhawks will travel to UW-Platteville on Wednesday before heading home next weekend for the 2015 Loras Invitational. Loras split with Platteville last season, defeating them 3-0 at the Loras Invitational and losing 3-2 at the University of Dubuque Quad.