EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The seventh ranked University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds upset the sixth ranked Illinois Wesleyan Titans in a tightly contested five-set match 18-25, 23-25, 27-25, 25-22, 21-19 on Friday at the Sonnentag Event Center during the Blugold Alumni Weekend Invitational. The Blugolds overcame a two-set deficit, fueled by their 73 kills and 97 digs, to secure the victory.
Bailey Leeke became the 17th Blugold in program history to reach 1,000 career kills during the win.
Illinois Wesleyan took the first set 25-18, capitalizing on key kills to build their lead. Illinois Wesleyan executed effectively with several crucial kills.
Alex Kiebel facilitated the offense for the Blugolds with nine assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the visitor's consistent pressure.
Eau Claire and Illinois Wesleyan engaged in a tightly contested second set, with the teams exchanging the lead seven times. The Blugolds capitalized on five kills from
Abby Stanwood and three from
Bailey Leeke to keep the set close. However, Illinois Wesleyan's strategic play, including three pivotal kills and two service aces, allowed them to edge out a narrow 25-23 victory. The set concluded with a kill from the Titans pushing Illinois Wesleyan ahead in the match. During this set,
Bailey Leeke also tallied her 1,000th kill, marking a significant milestone in her career.
UW-Eau Claire battled back in the third in a tightly contested third set, 27-25, highlighted by
Abby Stanwood's pivotal kills. The Blugolds capitalized with blocks from
Bailey Leeke,
Norah Erickson, and
Lili Hagg, including a service error by Illinois Wesleyan at a crucial 25-24 advantage, allowing
Mya Cinnamo to secure key points. The set's final moments saw the Blugolds overcome a late deficit, closing it with Leeke's block and Cinnamo's kill to seal the victory.
The Blugolds edged Illinois Wesleyan 25-22 in the fourth set, capitalizing on key contributions from multiple players.
Alex Kiebel initiated the set with a service ace, helping UWEC to an early lead. Stanwood's five kills and Cinnamo's three additional kills maintained offensive pressure, while Illinois Wesleyan's service errors proved costly.
Bailey Leeke and
Lili Hagg's combined block on a Titan attack further extended the Blugolds' advantage, securing the set victory.
In a tightly contested final set, UW-Eau Claire edged Illinois Wesleyan 21-19, overcoming an early deficit with a strong offensive performance. The Blugolds fought off seven match points before the game sealing kill from
Bailey Leeke.
Abby Stanwood contributed significantly, recording eight pivotal kills, while
Kaitlyn Erickson played both sides off the ball with four assists and 10 digs. Illinois Wesleyan rushed out to a lead in the final set but it was the home team's resilience and timely contributions, including Leeke's decisive late kill, that secured the big home victory.
Stanwood led the team with 28 kills and recorded 23 digs, contributing significantly to her 31 total points. Kiebel was a key facilitator, amassing 48 assists and adding 28 digs. Erickson supported the defense with 22 digs, while Leeke added 16 kills and contributed 17.5 points.
The Blugolds hold an overall record of 21-2 and are 4-0 in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. Illinois Wesleyan has a record of 16-2 and remains undefeated at 5-0 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will host Cornell College on October 18 at noon. The match will take place at Lisa Herb Court within the Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wis.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
