The Eastern University Volleyball staff knew this weekend's trip to the Midwest would provide a good test for their young team.

 After a 3-0 win over Wartburg College in their opener, the 23rd ranked Eagles dropped a three-set decision to the host Augustana Vikings in the 6:00 game. The loss is the first of the year for Coach Birtwistle's young squad.

Courtney Reinhold led the Eagles with twelve kills and 19 digs in their decisive first match win over Wartburg. Kara Hildebrand added eleven kills. Mandy Platt continued her solid performance with an efficient eight kill effort.

Maria Horning ran the Eastern attack with 35 assists. The Eagles were able run offense against their opponent from Iowa. After winning the first set 25-17, the Eagles ran to a 25-8 second set win, and they finished the match with a 25-20 final set win.

Eastern returned to action later in the day, and dropped their first match of the year in a close three set decision against the hosts. After falling 25-18 in the first game, the Eagles fell just short at 25-23, 25-22 in the final two sets of the day.

Reinhold recorded eleven kills to lead the Eagles, and Platt picked up eight kills and three blocks. Coach Birtwistle said of the game, "Augustana did a good job keeping us out of system. We struggled to keep all our options open and were only able to hit .161 for the match."

The 17-1 Eagles will do battle with another two Midwest opponents at Augustana when they play Coe College in a 10:00 am game and turn around to play Wisconsin Platteville in 2:00 pm game.