PITTSBURGH — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire emerged victorious over Carnegie Mellon in a five-set thriller on Saturday, 23-25, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 15-7, at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics during the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament Regional Championship. UW-Eau Claire tallied 11 service aces, hit at a .228 rate, and recorded 62 kills, contributing to their victory in a dominant fifth set.
Bailey Leeke was named Regional Tournament Most Valuable Player and earned All-Tournament Team honors alongside
Abby Stanwood and
Alex Kiebel.
UW-Eau Claire faced a challenging first set against Carnegie Mellon, ultimately falling 25-23. The Tartans built a commanding mid-set lead with a series of six consecutive points, including a service ace and multiple assists. Despite trailing, the Blugolds mounted a late comeback with a 4-0 run, including two service aces from
Alex Kiebel, leveling the score at 23. However, Carnegie Mellon secured the set with a block, going up 1-0.
The Blugolds captured the second set with a decisive 25-18 victory over Carnegie Mellon, fueled by a strong offensive performance from
Bailey Leeke and
Lili Hagg, who each contributed multiple kills.
Alex Kiebel's playmaking was pivotal, assisting on numerous kills and orchestrating a run that included two service aces and key blocks. Despite a late push from the Tartans, UWEC maintained their lead to close the set and tie the match at 1-1.
The Blugolds started the third set strong with an initial 3-0 run, including a service ace by
Alex Kiebel. However, Carnegie Mellon responded with a commanding mid-set rally, capitalizing on service aces and attack errors from Eau Claire, establishing a 14-6 lead. Despite a late push by UW-Eau Claire, featuring multiple kills from
Bailey Leeke, the Tartans secured the set 25-18 and regained their set lead, 2-1.
UW-Eau Claire edged the Tartans 25-23 in a tightly contested fourth set, with
Abby Stanwood's offensive contributions proving pivotal. Stanwood recorded multiple kills, including the set-clinching point, and added a service ace.
Alex Kiebel facilitated the attack effectively, providing numerous assists that led to key points. Despite several service errors from both teams, the Blugolds maintained composure to secure the victory, highlighted by a crucial kill from
Mya Cinnamo late in the set, evening things at 2-2.
UW-Eau Claire opened the fifth set with a dominant 4-0 run, capitalizing on two service aces by
Abby Stanwood and a kill by
Darienne Andre. Carnegie Mellon struggled with errors, contributing to the Blugold's early lead.
Alex Kiebel consistently set up
Bailey Leeke, who recorded multiple kills to push the Blugolds to a commanding 15-7 victory in the final frame. Leeke also played a key role in the team's defensive efforts, participating in crucial blocks. UWEC's precision and decisive plays helped seal the victory, returning the Blugolds back to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time since 2021.
Bailey Leeke led with 24 kills and added three blocks, contributing significantly to the team's performance with 26.5 points.
Abby Stanwood recorded 19 kills and posted 16 digs, amassing a total of 22 points.
Lili Hagg dominated at the net with eight total blocks, finishing with 11.5 points.
Alex Kiebel facilitated the offense with 56 assists and delivered four service aces, rounding out her performance with 11 digs.
UW-Eau Claire improves to 30-4 overall record on the year and Carnegie Mellon ends their season with a 26-9 overall record.
The Blugolds will take the holiday week off from competition and get ready for the NCAA Elite 8 on Wednesday, December 3rd on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill. The quarterfinal matchups have yet to be determined and will be released on NCAA.com.
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