HOLLAND, Mich. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated Coe College 3-1 in their first game of the Hope College Tournament at the DeVos Fieldhouse on Friday. After dropping the first set 22-25, the Blugolds rallied to win the next three sets 25-15, 25-20, 25-18. UWEC's offense was led by a strong attack from
Abby Stanwood and
Bailey Leeke as both Blugolds recorded double-doubles on the evening.
Coe countered the Blugold offense effectively, capitalizing on consistent setup play, which resulted in multiple kills. Despite Coe's advantage in service aces and blocks, the Blugolds managed to tie the set at 17 each, thanks to
Abby Stanwood's timely kills and Thole's strong serving. However, Coe closed the set 25-22.
The Blugolds seized control in the second set with a decisive 25-15 victory over Coe, driven by strategic plays and a series of impactful errors from the opposition. Stanwood was instrumental, contributing multiple kills, including the set-clinching point, while
Bailey Leeke added crucial kills to maintain momentum. Coe's struggle was highlighted by frequent attack errors, resulting in eight points for UWEC, who capitalized on these opportunities to extend their lead.
UWEC claimed the third set 25-20 against Coe, powered by a critical mid-set stretch where Stanwood delivered four consecutive kills to tie and then take the lead. The Blugolds capitalized on Coe's attack errors, contributing to a five-point advantage. Cinnamo and
Lili Hagg also played pivotal roles with blocks and kills, reinforcing UW-Eau Claire's defensive presence.
The Blugolds captured the fourth set with a 25-18 win over Coe, led by Stanwood's consistent performance, contributing five kills in the set. UWEC capitalized on Coe's attack errors to maintain their lead, with Coe committing multiple errors that contributed directly to Eau Claire's scoring.
Alex Kiebel's setting was instrumental, assisting on key kills that helped the Blugolds pull away in the latter stages of the set.
Stanwood led UWEC with 27 kills and added 12 digs, contributing significantly to their offensive and recording her sixth double-double of the season. Leeke also made an impact with 18 kills and 11 digs, showcasing her dual-threat capability on the court and capturing her second double-double of the year.
Makina Larson provided a strong defensive presence, recording five solo blocks to set a career high. Kiebel facilitated the offense efficiently, tallying 47 assists across the matches.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 17-2 overall record and Coe drops to 12-5.
The Blugolds will continue play at the Hope College Tournament on Saturday, October 11 with matches against Millikin University and the hosts, Hope College.
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