LA CROSSE, Wis. - The UW-Eau Claire volleyball experienced a nail biter in their first conference match of the season, with a five set victory over UW-La Crosse. With the win, the Blugolds improve to 7-6 on the season, while La Crosse drops to 9-4 overall.

La Crosse began the match with a convincing 14-25 win in the opening set. However, the Blugolds turned the tables in game two and handed the Eagles a 25-19 loss in the second set. From there on out, each team exchanged blows with La Crosse winning the third set 25-17, and Eau Claire forced game five with a 25-20 win in the fourth set. The final set mirrored the previous four, battling point for point with Eau Claire eventually prevailing in the decisive fifth set with a 18-16 victory over La Crosse.

For the Blugolds, the offense had a balanced attack with three players tallying double-digit kills. Emily Zupon So.-Antigo, Wis. recorded a match-high 19 kills, while Abby Freiborg Sr.-Sacred Heart, Minn./Renville County West and Katie Fox (Sr.-Chippewa Falls, Wis./Chi-Hi) each racked up 12 kills apiece. Emily Haese Sr.-Mishicot, Wis. paced Eau Claire with 52 assists. Defensively, Lindsey Smith Jr.-Maple Lake, Minn. led the team with 34 digs, while Freiborg chipped in 29 and Haese recorded 15, respectively.

The Eagles were led on offense by Brianne Stankus' 14 kills, and Melanie Tate had 25 digs on the defensive end.

Eau Claire is back on the road tomorrow for a match against WIAC opponent UW-Platteville. The Blugolds lead the all-time series against the Pioneers 23-14, however, Platteville won the last meeting against at the WIAC tournament in four sets. Action begins 12:00 p.m.

Eau Claire-La Crosse Box Score

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