OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire coincluded their regular season on Friday and fell to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in four sets at the Kolf Sports Center, 12-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-25. Despite the loss, UW-Eau Claire secured the second seed in the WIAC Tournament and a first round bye. The Blugolds recorded eight service aces but were outmatched in blocks, with the Titans totaling 10 compared to the Blugolds' one.
Oshkosh dominated the first set with a strong defensive and offensive performance, closing it 25-12. The home team capitalized on multiple attack errors by UW-Eau Claire, including three consecutive blocks during a pivotal mid-set stretch. The Blugolds struggled to maintain momentum despite
Abby Stanwood's four kills and
Kaitlyn Erickson's one service ace.
UW-Eau Claire started strong in the second set with a 3-0 lead, featuring two service aces from
Alex Kiebel. However, the Titans responded with a series of kills and eventually pulled ahead. Despite a late kill from
Abby Stanwood, making it 18-24, the Titans secured the set 25-18 and took a 2-0 set lead.
The Blugolds secured the third set with a decisive 25-18 victory over the Titans, fueled by a strong offensive performance from
Norah Erickson, who delivered five of her 15 total kills. UWEC capitalized on the Titans' service errors, scoring crucial points to maintain their lead. Stanwood contributed significantly, particularly during a 6-0 run that saw the Blugolds extend their advantage from 14-14 to 19-14. The set concluded with a kill by
Lili Hagg, underscoring the Blugolds' effective attacking strategy.
The Titans capitalized on a combination of offensive precision and defensive pressure to secure the fourth set, outscoring the Blugolds 25-15. UWEC struggled with six attack errors, including crucial blocks by the home team, which limited their scoring opportunities. Despite Stanwood's five kills, the visitors could not overcome the deficit, as the Titans took the match, 3-1.
Stanwood led the team with 16 kills and recorded 14 digs in four sets, recording her 15th double-double of the season. Erickson contributed significantly with 15 kills and added two digs.
Kaitlyn Erickson excelled defensively, collecting 25 digs over four sets. Kiebel facilitated the offense with 43 assists, while also securing two service aces.
The Blugolds end the regular seaosn with a 26-3 overall record and a 6-1 mark in WIAC play. The Titans also maintained a 26-3 overall record and led the WIAC standings with a 7-0 conference record.
UW-Eau Claire earned the second seed in the WIAC Tournament and will host the highest remaining seed out of the first round games on Thursday, Novemeber 13 at the Sonnentag Event Center. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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