2 nationally ranked teams clip Eagles

The Eagle’s volleyball team lost four straight at the Augustana Invitational in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Three of the four games were against teams in the top 25 of the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.

The Eagles played No. 22 ranked Augustana University Friday and Saturday, losing both games in three sets. The other ranked team, No. 13 Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota, defeated CSC in three sets as well. The University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, handed the Eagles their fourth loss of the weekend in three sets on Saturday.

Although the team did not earn a win, during the tournament, several players showed signs of improvement.

Emily Bruce, junior of Centerton, Arkansas, accounted for 88 digs as a libero, averaging over seven per set. Bruce earned a spot on the All-Tournament team for the invite.

“I was really excited to get it (All-Tournament Team),” Bruce said. “It was nice to see some reward this weekend. The team worked really hard, it just didn’t seem to turn out in our favor.”

Offensively, two outside hitters for CSC did most of the damage. Rudy Leasau, senior of LaMesa, California, and junior Gaby Varela, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, both totaled 34 at the invite.

Sophomore setter Madison Webb, of Loveland, Colorado, didn’t have any problem keeping up with her impressive numbers from last week. She averaged over eight assists per set again, while collecting six kills and three blocks.

“I think we have improved on knowing our responsibilities as individuals and as a team,” Bruce said. “We have really started to mesh. I think every week we get a little better than the week before. We work hard in practice and I think that will start to show on the court.”

CSC will open conference play this weekend, traveling south to play the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Friday, and Metropolitan State University-Denver, Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, and 5 p.m. Saturday.

“We just need to come out strong and finish strong,” Bruce said. “We need to be consistent.”