By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - As the postseason draws near, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team took on UW-Whitewater Friday night in a match that was sure to factor into the pairings for next week's conference tournament.

The No. 14-ranked Warhawks wasted no time on their way to a three-set sweep, showcasing why they are vying for a top seed in the WIAC playoffs.

Set one established the tone for the night as Whitewater coasted to a 25-12 win, hitting an outstanding .440 in the opener. However, in the middle set, Eau Claire showed signs of life, squaring it up at 20 points each. From there, though, the Warhawks rattled off five straight to win 25-20.

The key to the third and final set was Whitewater's 12-0 run after the Blugolds were winning 11-9. They would take the set by a score of 25-16. The Warhawks out-hit Eau Claire .330 to .073 in the match.

Heather Sawchuk's (Jr.-Roseville, MN/Cretin-Derham Hall) 14 kills were a team-high, and Madison Surprise (So.-Appleton, WI/Kimberly) had 18 assists to lead the setting category. Defensively, Kasey Schumacher (Jr.-Channahon, IL/Minooka Community) and Katrina Raskie (Sr.-Weston, WI/D.C. Everest) led with 14 and 13 digs respectively.  

The conclusion to the Blugolds' regular season takes place Saturday afternoon at 12:00 against UW-Platteville from the McPhee Center.