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20th Annual Augsburg College Volleyball Invitational

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September 10, 2001

The Oles were on the road once again this past weekend, successfully defending their undefeated status at the Augsburg College Volleyball Invitational. St. Olaf garnered the Tournament Championship for the second year in a row.

On Friday, September 7, the Oles hit the court against UW-Superior and then against UW-Eau Claire. This was the second time this season the Oles went up against UW-Superior, posting wins of 30-20, 30-19 and 30-25 .

UW-Eau Claire and St. Olaf traditionally compete for the championship title. This year was no exception and the Oles grabbed the victory in four games, 28-30, 30-28, 30-21 and 30-23. The Blugolds put up a tough fight with a strong left-side attack given by Rachel Gullerud (Sr., Eau Claire, WI), but the amazing defensive duo of Shannah Olson (Jr., Elk River, MN) and Veronica Cherne (FY, Bloomington, MN--Jefferson) stopped Eau Claire in its tracks. Together, Olson and Cherne impressively racked up 27 digs throughout the match, while Nicole Trnka (Sr., Morristown, MN?Bethlehem Academy) scored 21 kills.

The next day the Oles hit the floor against tournament host, Augsburg College. This was the third time the Oles have encountered the Auggies this season. Up for the challenge once again, outstanding performances were given by Trnka, serving 12 service aces, and by the Ole offense of Emily Ganzkow-Wold (Jr., Madison, WI?West HS) and Olson. Brie Mattson (Jr., Anoka, MN) acquired 48 assists in total for the match. Augsburg took the first game 30-27, but the Oles dominated the last three, 30-9, 30-18, and 30-20.

The Oles finished the tournament against Macalester College. Excellent blocking by Ganzkow-Wold and outstanding backcourt play by Katie Allenson (Sr., Champlin Park, MN) prevented the Scots from pulling away with a win. The Oles played a hard match losing only the second game 23-30, but winning three 30-28, 30-26, and 30-26.

The tournament provided the Oles (8-0) with a great springboard into their first MIAC match. St. Olaf will host the University of St. Thomas at 7:30 on Wednesday, September 12 at Skoglund Center.

Contact Judy Stromayer at 507-786-3315 or stromaye@stolaf.edu.