SAINT PAUL, Minn. — UW-Eau Claire defeated Northwestern-St. Paul 3-1 on Wednesday at Ericksen Center, securing the victory with set scores of 25-16, 18-25, 25-21, and 25-18. The Blugolds' offensive efficiency was highlighted by a .281 hitting percentage with 58 kills, while their defense contributed 56 digs.
Eau Claire opened the match with a commanding performance, taking the first set 25-16 over Northwestern-St. Paul. The Blugolds capitalized on five service aces, including two from
Alex Kiebel, which contributed to an early lead and consistent pressure throughout the set.
Abby Stanwood and
Bailey Leeke led the offensive charge with multiple kills, while the Eagles struggled with errors, committing five attack errors that hindered their comeback efforts.
UNW secured a 25-18 win in the second set to even the score with UW-Eau Claire. The Blugolds struggled with service consistency, committing four service errors, which countered their nine kills, three of which were delivered by Stanwood. Northwestern-St. Paul's with crucial kills and service aces, helping to maintain their lead and close out the set.
UWEC secured a 25-21 victory in the third set highlighted by seven kills from Stanwood and two service aces from
Sasha Bovard. The Blugolds found momentum with a critical 5-0 run, making it 13-9 in the middle of the set. Kiebel's setting played a pivotal role, contributing 15 assists that facilitated decisive plays, while the Eagles' attack errors, including two late in the set, hindered their comeback efforts.
The Blugolds secured a decisive 25-18 victory in the fourth set against the Eagles, powered by
Mya Cinnamo's five kills, including a pivotal stretch where she delivered three consecutive points to establish a 10-7 lead. The visiting team capitalized on the home side's attack errors, with Leeke and Larson contributing with crucial blocks to expand their advantage to 14-10. Stanwood and Larsen sealed the set with an assisted block, resulting in UW-Eau Claire's strong 25-18 finish and 3-1 victory.
Stanwood led UW-Eau Claire with 20 kills and four block assists, contributing 23.0 points and reaching her second highest attack rate of the season at .405. Kiebel facilitated the offense with 41 assists and added two service aces.
Kaitlyn Erickson anchored the defense with 18 digs while also assisting twice. Larson made a notable impact at the net with one solo block and four block assists, totaling three blocks in the match.
The Blugolds improve to 16-2 overall record awhile the Eagles hold a 10-6 overall record..
UWEC will be back on the road with a trip to Holland, Mich. for the Hope College Tournament on Friday and Saturday, October 10-11 where the Blugolds will face Coe College, Millikin University, and the hosts, Hope College.
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