Volleyball Team Has Success in Home Spring Tournament

Golden Eagles win twice in third exhibition weekend

MILWAUKEE ? Head coach Pati Rolf and the Marquette volleyball team had yet another productive weekend in the third of four spring season dates. Marquette hosted four teams for a round-robin tournament at the Al McGuire Center.

Marquette defeated North Dakota State in the opener, 3-0. The Golden Eagles downed Northern Michigan, 3-1, in the middle contest of the day.

In the highlight match of the event, Marquette fell to Minnesota, 3-2, in what was an exciting contest. The Golden Eagles led 13-9 in the final game before the Golden Gophers rallied to take the match.

"Playing Minnesota was a great experience for us," Rolf said. "They have a lot of talent. They brought a tremendous middle attack and a veteran setter and provided great competition for us."

Rolf said that the match was the most fun of the tournament, in part due to a large contingent of pre-high school age children who attended a clinic prior to the match with Minnesota.

Campers were treated to some skill work and a talk from the Minnesota team on what it takes to be successful.

"We had a great time at the clinic," Rolf said. "The Minnesota players helped a lot with what it was like to be in a final four. It was exciting to see all the kids that showed up and most of them stayed for the final match, which provided a great atmosphere."

The three matches offered the Golden Eagles more competition and a chance to get better. Among those that had good performances were Nicole Wallace and Aga Niemcezewska.

"This was the best I've seen Nicole play since she's been here," Rolf said. "She's making the transition to the outside and looks more and more comfortable. Aga also had a great day. She played well and was consistent. It was the best spring day she's had this year."

The Marquette volleyball team concludes its spring season on Saturday, April 23, taking part in the Networker Classic in Champaign, Ill.
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