Nebraska Wesleyan gave the large pink clad home crowd something to cheer about early as they won the first set, but Briar Cliff ruined the Prairie Wolves Dig Pink Event as they rallied to defeat NWU, 3-1, in Great Plains Athletic Conference volleyball play Saturday afternoon (Oct. 31) in Snyder Arena.  The Charges won the match in scores of 15-25, 25-14, 27-25, 25-16.

NWU finishes the 2009 regular season with a 17-11 overall record and a 7-9 GPAC record to finish eighth in the league standings. The Prairie Wolves will now await the announcement of the NCAA III Tournament field to see if they receive an invitation for their sixth straight NCAA Tournament.  The announcement will be made Monday, Nov. 9 at 10 am.

The match got off to a great start for the Prairie Wolves, who were wearing pink uniforms as part of the Dig Pink Promotion to raise awareness for breast cancer research.  NWU made quick work of the Chargers getting the 25-15 win in set one.

Briar Cliff, who also wore pink uniforms, charged back in the second set to roll past NWU 25-14.  The third set was the most competitive as BCU finally came out on top 27-25.  Briar Cliff then rolled in the final set to seal the win.

Nebraska Wesleyan, playing without top attacker Laura Brammeier, had three players reach double figures in kills. Senior Brittny Barber led the way with 16 kills in her final match at Snyder Arena.  Freshman Brittnie Kreikemeier recorded her first career double-double with an impressive line of 15 kills and 26 digs.  Kelsey Elman also had a double-double with 11 kills and 20 digs.  Ashley Jedlicka handed out 48 assists in the match.

For Briar Cliff, Alex Anstine and Geri Heimann both had 15 kills to lead the Chargers who hit .278 as a team.