CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The Kirkwood women's volleyball team won both of its matches in the consolation bracket of the NJCAA Division II national tournament Friday and will play for ninth place Saturday.

The Eagles (28-15) will face Gulf Coast State (23-7) at 8 a.m. in the final match of the consolation round.

Kirkwood began the tournament Thursday with a 3-0 loss to Illinois Central, but the Eagles bounced back with a 3-0 conquest of Mercyhurst North East and a 3-1 victory over Catawba Valley Friday.

Kirkwood, the No. 9 seed, swept Mercyhurst, 25-11, 25-12, 25-20. Anna Gorsich had 12 kills and Aubrin Dittmer had 10. Madi Wagaman collected 19 assists and Rachael Nelson had 17. Maranda Wheelock made 21 digs.

The Eagles upended Catawba Valley, the No. 5 seed, 25-17, 26-24, 20-25, 25-12. Gorsich rolled up 21 kills. Aubrin Dittmer had 11 and Abbie Ericson provided 10. Wagaman had 27 assists and Nelson dished out 19. Wheelock made 16 digs and Gorsich 13. Taylor Carey was credited with assists on 12 blocks and Ericson had eight.

Kirkwood finished fourth at the national tournament last year.