EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The UW-Eau Claire volleyball team made quick work of UW-Stout, sweeping the Blue Devils in front of a packed crowd at the McPhee Physical Education Center. With the win, the Blugolds remain perfect in conference play with a 5-0 record, and improve to 13-9 on the season. With the loss, Stout drops to 1-4 in WIAC play and 4-16 overall.

Eau Claire was in control from the opening serve, never trailing the entire match. Early in the first set, Stout was able to tie the score at four. However, the Blugolds responded rattling off three rallies to take a commanding 16-6 lead. Eau Claire eventually capped the victory with a 25-12 win.

Set two provided much of the same, with Eau Claire not allowing Stout to reach double-digits in the set, taking a convincing 25-7 win. In the final set, the Blue Devils refused to give up easily, and battled point for point with Eau Claire. Pulling within three, the Blugolds were able to shut the door on Stout's hope for a comeback, taking the final set and the match by a score of 25-21.

Grabbing leads early in each set, the Blugolds were able to use a wide variety of players throughout the match. "You never know what's going to happen," said Abby Freiborg (Sr.-Sacred Heart, Minn./Renville County West). "Different matches we?re going to need different girls step up and anyone can play a big role for our team."

Freiborg led the way for a balanced Blugold offense, picking up a match-high 11 kills and five service aces. Freiborg also led the team in digs with 11. Amanda Lessner (So.-Watertown, Wis.) saw extensive playing time and dished out 18 assists for Eau Claire.

Jamie Olson led Stout with four kills, and Alicia Mizer had 12 digs.

Eau Claire will have its regular season home finale this weekend against UW-Stevens Point on Friday night and UW-Whitewater on Saturday afternoon. It will also be Parent and Alumni weekend for the Blugolds. Friday's action is set to begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday will get underway at noon.

Eau Claire-Stout Box Score

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