PITTSBURGH — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire secured a 3-1 victory over Wittenberg on Friday at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics at Carnegie Mellon University, taking the sets 25-23, 15-25, 25-14, 25-18, in the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament Second Round. The Blugolds delivered 50 kills with a .271 hitting percentage, while also recording 9 service aces. Along with the victory,
Alex Kiebel hit a personal milestone with her 1,000 career assist in the opening set in just her first season.
UW-Eau Claire secured the first set 25-23 against Wittenberg, capitalizing on
Bailey Leeke's consistent offensive contributions, including two key kills from
Alex Kiebel's assists. Service aces played a crucial role in the home team's advantage, with Leeke delivering two consecutive aces early, shifting momentum. Despite Wittenberg's late rally, featuring multiple kills, UW-Eau Claire held firm to close the set with a decisive kill from Leeke.
The Blugolds fell behind in the second set as Wittenberg capitalized on attack errors, extending their lead with a significant 5-0 run to make it 14-8. Despite efforts from
Bailey Leeke, who contributed three kills, and
Mya Cinnamo, who added two, the Blugolds could not close the gap. Wittenberg's multiple kills down the stretch and a 6-1 run in the end, evened the match at one set apiece with a 25-15 set victory for the Tigers.
UWEC capitalized on a strong start in the third set, jumping to a 3-0 lead with an early kill from
Bailey Leeke and a service ace from
Alex Kiebel.
Abby Stanwood and Leeke combined for ten kills, propelling the home team to a decisive 25-14 set win. The Blugolds' defense forced multiple attack errors, including a solo block from Stanwood, aiding their dominance and securing the set victory.
UWEC capitalized on a strong start in the fourth set, establishing a commanding lead with a 4-0 opening run that included another service ace by
Alex Kiebel and two kills from
Abby Stanwood.
Bailey Leeke led the home team with nine kills in the set, contributing significantly to maintaining the advantage. The Blugolds effectively limited the Tigers with key blocks, including a solo block from Leeke making it 19-14, and closed the set 25-18, securing the match victory.
Bailey Leeke tallied 22 kills and two service aces, contributing significantly to her 25.5 total points.
Abby Stanwood added 14 kills and one solo block, amassing 15 points.
Alex Kiebel distributed 38 assists and registered three service aces, alongside 10 digs.
Mary Zettle led the team defensively with 17 digs, supporting the backline effectively.
UW-Eau Claire improves to a 29-4 overall record and advance to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament. The Tigers end their season with a 21-8 overall record.
The Blugolds will face the hosts, Carnegie Mellon University. The final is set for Saturday, November 22 at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics at Carnegie Mellon University. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
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