OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in a five-set match, 3-2, at Kolf Sports Center on Saturday during the WIAC Tournament Championship. After taking the first two sets 25-18 and 25-21, the Blugolds could not maintain their lead, ultimately dropping the final three sets 21-25, 24-26, and 13-15. UWEC recorded 71 kills and 69 assists, with a hitting percentage of .231. The Titans countered with 68 kills and a .216 hitting percentage, securing the final set to clinch the match.
UW-Eau Claire secured the opening set with a decisive 25-18 win over UW-Oshkosh, capitalizing on consistent offensive contributions and service pressure.
Bailey Leeke led the charge with multiple kills, including a pivotal kill that increased their lead to 21-17.
Alex Kiebel distributed effectively, assisting on numerous points while serving a crucial service ace that extended the advantage to 24-18. The Blugolds' ability to capitalize on the Titans' errors and maintain a strong service game was key in closing out the set.
The Blugolds capitalized on several attack errors by Oshkosh to secure a 25-21 victory in the second set. Key contributions from
Bailey Leeke, who delivered decisive kills, and
Alex Kiebel, who provided multiple assists, fueled the visitors' offense. A critical 5-0 stretch, aided by errors from Oshkosh, helped Eau Claire gain momentum. Despite a late push from Oshkosh,the Blugolds maintained their lead to close the set.
UWEC opened the third set with a strong start, capitalizing on an early service ace by
Alex Kiebel and two kills from
Bailey Leeke to establish a 6-2 lead. However, the Titans responded with a series of points, including a pair of kills, leveling the set at 6-6. Despite standout performances from
Mya Cinnamo and
Abby Stanwood, who combined for multiple kills, Eau Claire was unable to maintain momentum, and fell 25-21 as service errors and blocks by Oshkosh proved decisive.
UW-Oshkosh claimed the fourth set 26-24 against Eau Claire. Despite
Abby Stanwood and
Bailey Leeke delivering key kills to keep the set close, UWEC struggled with service errors at crucial points, allowing the Titans to secure the set and match victory.
The Blugolds fought back in the deciding set, closing within one at 14-13 after
Abby Stanwood's back-to-back kills, but ultimately fell short as UWO secured a 15-13 victory. The set was marked by a sequence of attack errors from both sides, with UW-Eau Claire capitalizing on four attack errors by the Titans. Despite contributions from
Mya Cinnamo and
Bailey Leeke, the Blugolds couldn't overcome Oshkosh's final offensive push, which included pivotal kills to seal the game.
Abby Stanwood contributed significantly with 21 kills and 22 digs, adding a total of 23 points.
Bailey Leeke led the team with 23 kills and also recorded 17 digs, amassing 24.5 points.
Alex Kiebel orchestrated the offense with 65 assists while also contributing 18 digs.
Lili Hagg fortified the defense with six total blocks, including one solo block.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 27-4 overall record and UWO stands at 28-3 overall.
UWEC Blugolds will await their NCAA destination as the 2025 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Selection Show is scheduled for Monday, November 17 at 12:00 p.m. CT. The show can be viewed on
NCAA.com.
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