EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team swept Cornell College 25-18, 25-19, 25-23 on Saturday at the Sonnentag Event Center, followed by another commanding performance against Augsburg, winning 25-11, 25-22, 25-19 to cap off the tournament weekend. The Blugolds were efficient throughout the matches, recording a combined total of 44 kills with a .337 hitting percentage against Cornell, and 43 kills with a .362 hitting percentage against Augsburg. They added six service aces in the match against the Rams and nine against the Auggies, while holding both opponents to hitting percentages of .190 and .167, respectively.
In the match against Cornell College, the Blugolds capitalized on several several blocks and kills, claiming the first set 25-18. The Blugolds converted on two service aces from
Alex Kiebel and
Kaitlyn Erickson, while
Bailey Leeke made significant contributions with several kills, helping Eau Claire fend off Cornell's challenges. The second set saw the Blugolds secure a 25-19 victory, fueled by early kills from
Mya Cinnamo and
Abby Stanwood, which propelled them to a 5-1 lead. Key assists from Kiebel and late pressure from Cornell, including two service aces by the Rams, could not prevent the Blugolds from clinching the set.
In the third set against Cornell, the Blugolds edged out a close 25-23 win, with Stanwood leading the way with six pivotal kills, including the match-winner. Cinnamo's contributions and a crucial block by
Darienne Andre alongside Stanwood helped maintain the lead despite multiple ties and lead changes. The Blugolds stood strong despite 12 tie scores and six lead changes to secure the match victory.
Against Augsburg, Eau Claire dominated the opening set with a 25-11 victory, relying on strong serving and blocking. Kiebel's contributions through assists set up key kills by
Lili Hagg and Leeke. The Blugolds maintained their momentum in the second set, winning 25-22, with Leeke leading the charge with six kills and two service aces, while
Makina Larson added a solo block to secure the set.
The final set against Augsburg saw the Blugolds overcome an early 4-0 deficit with an impressive 8-1 run, thanks to strategic blocks by Stanwood and
Darienne Andre, and decisive kills from Leeke. The Blugolds closed out the match 25-19, aided by Eau Claire's three blocks and .353 attack rate throughout the set.
Bailey Leeke was a standout performer, leading with 14 kills and two service aces against Augsburg, finishing with 16 points. Stanwood led the team against Cornell with 15 kills and two service aces, contributing significantly to her 17.5 points. Kiebel excelled in both matches, recording 31 assists against Augsburg and 17 assists against Cornell, while also contributing defensively with six digs against both opponents. Cinnamo added to the team's efforts with nine kills against Augsburg and three kills against Cornell.
Mya Cinnamo,
Bailey Leeke, and
Abby Stanwood were named to the All-Tournament Team.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 23-2 overall record and is 4-0 in WIAC play. Cornell College is now 12-9 overall with a 4-0 record in the Midwest Conference, while Augsburg stands at 8-14 overall and 3-2 in the MIAC.
Up next for UW-Eau Claire is a matchup against UW-Stevens Point on October 22 at 7 p.m. at Lisa Herb Court in The Sonnentag Event Center.
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