EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire volleyball team swept UW-La Crosse 25-18, 25-20, 25-20 on Thursday at Sonnentag Event Center in the WIAC Tournament Semifinals. UWEC's offense was efficient, recording a .281 hitting percentage with 45 kills. The home team also dominated defensively with 60 digs, outpacing the Eagles, who managed just 29 kills and a .061 hitting percentage.
Eau Claire secured the first set 25-18 against UWL, capitalizing on errors by the visitors. Their offense was led by
Abby Stanwood, who contributed with four kills kills, while
Alex Kiebel consistently set up scoring opportunities, resulting in 11 assists on multiple kills from
Norah Erickson and
Mya Cinnamo. The home team also benefited from defensive pressure, forcing attack errors on two blocks that widened the lead. UWEC maintained control with a service ace from Kiebel and two blocks by
Darienne Andre, sealing the set victory.
The Blugolds capitalized on a series of strong offensive plays to claim the second set 25-20 against the Eagles.
Abby Stanwood led the charge with eight kills, consistently assisted by
Alex Kiebel, who tallied 12 setups throughout the set as the Blugolds bursted out to a 10-5 lead. UWEC benefited from two more blocks, including pivotal points at 23-16 and 24-19, which helped secure the set victory. Eau Claire never trailed in the second set.
UW-Eau Claire secured the third set 25-20 with a decisive closing run, capitalizing on an 8-0 that included three kills each from
Norah Erickson and Abby Standwood.
Alex Kiebel facilitated the offense with 14 assists, contributing to the sequence that turned a 8-11 deficit into a 15-11 lead.
Mya Cinnamo added five points with three late kills, helping UWEC withstand a late push from the Eagles, sending them to the WIAC Championship Final.
Abby Stanwood led the scoring efforts with 17 kills on 39 attempts, posting a hitting percentage of .385.
Darienne Andre contributed defensively with five total blocks, including three solo efforts.
Kaitlyn Erickson supported the back-row defense, collecting 13 digs while also adding six assists.
Alex Kiebel facilitated the offense with 37 assists and chipped in eight digs.
Mya Cinnamo and
Norah Erickson combined for 23 total kills
The Blugolds stand at 27-3 overall and UWL ends their seaosn with a 21-12 overall record.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will face UW-Oshkosh in the WIAC Tournament Final on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
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