STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire had a mixed day at the Papa John's Invite, first edging Carthage in a thrilling five-set match, 25-20, 25-15, 14-25, 19-25, 16-14, before falling to No. 10 Washington University in St. Louis in four sets, 25-23, 16-25, 25-22, 25-20.
In the match against Carthage, Wis.-Eau Claire secured the win with 11 service aces and a decisive fifth set, overcoming a late charge by Carthage. The Blugolds captured the opening set 25-20, capitalizing on Carthage's attack errors and service errors. A pivotal 5-0 run late in the set, fueled by
Norah Erickson's four kills, helped UW-Eau Claire overcome an early deficit. Service aces from
Mya Cinnamo and
Hannah Thole also contributed to building momentum.
In the second set, Eau Claire dominated with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Cinnamo and
Abby Stanwood combining for multiple kills that kept the team ahead. The Blugolds capitalized on Carthage's errors, including four service errors, closing the set at 25-15. However, Carthage took control early in the third set, winning 25-14, and claimed the fourth set 25-19, capitalizing on a series of attack errors from the Blugolds.
The match reached a tense fifth set, where UW-Eau Claire edged out Carthage 16-14. A pivotal stretch saw UW-Eau Claire capitalize on a series of service aces by
Sasha Bovard to overcome an early 4-1 deficit and take a 6-4 lead. Despite multiple ties, timely kills by Cinnamo and
Bailey Leeke, paired with Carthage's critical service errors, allowed the Blugolds to clinch the match.
Stanwood recorded 13 kills and matched that effort defensively with 13 digs. Cinnamo tallied 13 kills and added two assists, showcasing her versatility.
Kaitlyn Erickson led the defensive effort with 17 digs, while Thole distributed 21 assists and added three service aces. The Blugolds improved to 15-1 overall and remained 3-0 in the WIAC.
Later in the day, UW-Eau Claire faced Washington University in St. Louis. The Blugolds battled closely in the opening set but ultimately fell 25-23 after a late push from the home team. Key plays included three blocks by
Lili Hagg and two service aces from
Kaitlyn Erickson that helped UW-Eau Claire stay competitive.
The Blugolds secured a dominant second set with a commanding 25-16 victory, highlighted by Cinnamo contributing four kills. The Blugolds capitalized on WashU's errors, including service and attack mistakes, maintaining the upper hand through strategic serving and blocking. However, WashU responded strongly in the third set, winning 25-22, aided by effective blocking and crucial kills from Leah Oyewole.
In the fourth set, UW-Eau Claire opened with a 4-0 lead, but WashU capitalized on the Blugolds' service and attack errors to shift momentum, ultimately closing the set 25-20.
Abby Stanwood recorded 16 digs and contributed significantly with 17.0 points, while Cinnamo led the offensive with 17 kills. Erickson provided strong defense with 19 digs and 8 assists, while Thole facilitated the attack with 20 assists and 10 digs.
Mya Cinnamo was named to the All-Tournament team.
With this performance, UW-Eau Claire now holds an overall record of 15-2, while WashU improved to 14-3 overall and Carthage sits at 13-6
The Blugolds head back on the road on Wednesday, October 8 when they face off with the University of Northwestern (MN) in St. Paul. Game time is set for 7 p.m. from the Ericksen Center.
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